A Successful Experiment in Participatory Science for Promoting Change in a French Industrial Region

Abstract

The author and her team worked with the residents in an industrial area in France to produce a participatory epidemiological study about their health. The final report, drafted with input from the citizens, attracted the national press and the interest of many other polluted communities.  The survey is currently being used to promote environmental change by the residents, their elected officials, and local doctors. This reinforces the author’s claim that rigorously designed participatory science can further citizen environmental initiatives and provide them policy-leverage.