MACOSPOL · Mapping Controversies on Science for Politics

MACOSPOL is a joint enterprise of researchers in science, technology and society across Europe to bring together their various expertises in order to devise a collaborative tool (called a platform) to map out scientific and technical controversies. The idea is that European citizens wishing to involve themselves into technical and scientific issues, need an equipment that is similar to those devised for generating opinions in normal political matters. This equipment does not exist yet for technical democracy even though enormous amount of research has already been done. The digital world facilitates exchange of methods and expertise and it is this facilitation that we want to maximize by bringing together the MACOSPOL consortium. This consortium allows the connection of the best research in Science, Technology and Society with the best research on web-based tools. Once the platform devised and tried out, it will be tested whether or not, in real sized controversies, it is possible for European citizens to come to better judgment about those issues.