Open Science and Public Engagement for the dissemination of achievements of life sciences: lessons learned from Ivan Franko National University of Lviv

Abstract

Background. Implementation of responsible research and innovation (RRI) practices in biosciences is important for better understanding of research by society. Public Engagement as the first RRI key can be implemented through Open Science. Strengthening interaction with the society is a significant aspect of Open Science and a prevalent challenge for biologists. Methods and Results. The project “RESponsible research and innovation grounding practices in BIOSciences (ResBios)” comprises interrelated research and implementation designed to achieve the specific objectives. The project runs for three years (January 2019 – December 2022) and focuses on biosciences at the crossroads of science and society. The activities organized in work packages include technical assistance, learning process on RRI-oriented structural change, monitoring and assessment, communication and dissemination of knowledge, and project management. Results and Discussion. This article is dedicated to the description of the expe­rience of the Department of Biochemistry team in engagement of different actors. The Department of Biochemistry of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv participates in the ResBios project and implements the RRI grounding practices, particularly Public Engagement through Open Science. Within the project framework a number of activities were held with a view to popularizing biosciences in society. Among others, a Workshop on pharmaceutical and house chemicals for schoolchildren and teachers of secondary schools and annual Summer School on Nutrition for undergraduate and graduate students of universities were organized. Besides, educational and popular-science videos were created, and the YouTube Chanel of the Department of Biochemistry was launched. Conclusion. Participation in the ResBios project enabled us to improve Public Engagement through Open Science in the activities organized by the team of the Department of Biochemistry. Taking into account the feedback obtained from the participants it could be concluded that these activities will have a prolonged effect on communication between biologists and citizens in Ukraine and abroad.