Policy engagement as 'empowered representation': democratic mediation through a participatory research project on climate resilience.
by MESH EDITORIALThis practical guide was developed through a collaborative process of public engagement led by TDR Global. This practical guide provides tools, open-access resources and advice for researchers, especially those living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
This article by Abraham Mamela, an engagement specialist based in Botswana, outlines the need for developing inclusive and sustainable ecosystems in Africa through investment into social cohesion and highlights the importance of inclusion, diversity and networks in project value chains. He also outlines various stages of how an ecosystem can organically emerge from projects.
Project Report: PowerPack of SuperScientists: Reframing gendered narratives to empower female scientists in South Africa
by Maphe Mthembu, Mesh Editorial TeamIn this project from South Africa, funded by the DELTAS Africa CPE Seed Fund, SANTHE researchers were transformed into SuperScientists to empower female scientists and challenge gender narratives that block women’s career progression in science.
SSHAP (the Social Science in Humanitarian Action Platform) is a programme of work focusing on the social dimensions of emergency responses. Their site has an excellent resource page with COVID-19 as a search topic
Guide: NIHR Resource Guide for CEI in Global Health Research
by Erica NelsonResearchers funded by the NIHR Global Health Research Programme are expected to involve patients and the public in planning, implementation and evaluation of their research. This resource guide provides community engagement links, resources, references and learning to offer research teams and funding applicants a starting point
Project Report: “Nothing about us without us”: How families affected by Zika are claiming back control
by Mesh Editorial Team, Natalie HunterThis article introduces a series of videos exploring experiences of the Zika epidemic from different perspectives. Within the videos we hear from mothers of children born with microcephaly and from researchers in Brazil and the UK.
This paper may be of interest to readers thinking about the local political and historical context and how this impacts on both science culture and the culture of science communication or public engagement within a country. This article focuses on South Africa although many of the considerations within it are likely to be pertinent in other countries which experienced colonialism.