Science shops are outreach offices at research institutions where civil society organizations (CSOs) can commission research that is relevant to local problems. The name “science shop” is a literal translation of the Dutch word wetensc-hapswinkel. However, it is not a regular shop, and it is not concerned with natural sciences only, but also with social sciences and humanities (in Dutch, both are wetenschap). Sometimes other names are [Page 734]used, such as knowledge point, community knowledge exchange, community-based research center, community–university partnership, interchange, and so on.

The best definition of a science shop is the one provided on the Web site of the Living Knowledge international science shop network, which defines a science shop as an organization that “provides independent, participatory research support” to issues and concerns ...