Dealing with the Pitfalls of Inclusion and Diversity: How to Involve Citizens Experiencing Distance from and Distrust of Science and Governance

Abstract

AbstractComplex and global emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis have made scientific knowledge more relevant and at the same time more contested. Such contestation is amplified by widespread misinformation and a growing scepticism among certain groups in society towards science and policies that seem to be based solely on scientific research. Many have argued that the complexity of such emergencies and the contestation regarding scientifically developed solutions and policies require transdisciplinary research (TDR). In this chapter we present three major pitfalls and potential remedies to help TDR involve citizens (and other stakeholders) in a successful and meaningful way.