Partner Offer – Social Sciences Expertise on Science, Technology & Society

We are a dynamic team of social scientists affiliated with two interdisciplinary research labs at the University of Ferrara (Italy): the Digital Cultures Lab (D/CULT) and the Design of Science Lab (DOS).

We offer expertise in the fields of the public understanding of science and technology, digital cultures, and inclusive design of digital solutions, with a strong focus on social impact, citizen engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The research interests of the D/CULT and DOS Labs focus on the relationship between science, technology, and society, with specific attention to their social, communicative, and cultural effects.

More specifically, the main research lines include:

1. Public communication of science and citizen engagement (e.g., monitoring and evaluation of public engagement initiatives);

2. History of science and technology (e.g., historical analysis of the development of specific technologies or scientific knowledge);

3. Public perception of science and technology (e.g., research on risk perception in environmental issues; attitudes and behaviours towards AI; trust, engagement, and communication processes related to digital platforms, automated systems, and smart environments);

4. eGovernment, digital transition, and digital citizenship, with a focus on citizen-centred service design and analysis of internal processes within public administration;

5. Monitoring and evaluation of projects using mixed methods approaches.

The research activities that the Labs can offer include:

• Quantitative surveys on perceptions, usage habits, behaviours, and attitudes of citizens (e.g., climate change, artificial intelligence, digitalization, food, health, sustainable transition);

• Qualitative research to explore needs, barriers, and expectations regarding technological innovation, climate change, etc. The team is experienced in designing and implementing qualitative techniques such as interviews, focus groups, public consultations, and ethnographic observations;

• Social testing and evaluation of technological prototypes, public communication strategies, and co-design of informative interfaces

We work with an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach, integrating social sciences into technically-oriented projects, contributing to:

• Social Impact Assessments;

• Development of participatory models;

• Policy recommendations and dissemination strategies;

• Research aimed at the inclusive and sustainable design of digital solutions.