« Collaborative research » in environment: from innovative practices to normative dynamics

The case of the call for research project ‘what kind of coast we want for tomorrow?’ of Fondation de France Environmental’s Program (2011- 2017)

Abstract

In the environmental field, the sponsors of researches are in demand of an interdisciplinary science and co-produced with the recipients of the research, to the point that this demand is sometimes qualified as an injunction. Between 2011 and 2017, the philanthropic network ‘Fondation de France’ recognized as being in the general interest, supported scientific projects by the Call for Littoral research of its Environmental program. It aimed to encourage innovative research, which support civil society in its mobilization and participation in scientific processes, for a more democratic science. This contribution shows that despite the multiplicity of their purposes and research themes, most of the projects selected during this period did not employ collaboration with non-professional researchers in order to open up science to make it more democratic. Rather, it aimed to improve the effectiveness of research, of which the objects are complex, and require the support and adaptation of populations. By taking up the demand for collaborative and interdisciplinary research without questioning the methods of scientific production, the organization has enabled the renewal of certain postures that are more normative than innovative in scientific production.