The 4^th International conference “Science in Society” was held in Vancouver, Canada. According to the organisers science has traditionally been characterized by empiricism, objectivity, and a productive autonomy from the social world. While these remain important elements of modern scientific methods and practice, science’s ability to remain independent of human agendas and values is increasingly being challenged.

 The conferences special theme “The Identities of Science” drew attention to the social, political, and economic forces that underwrite, motivate, and direct the nature of the scientific endeavor. The PE2020 team presented the elaboration of participatory performance model through coding, validation and creation of up to date inventory of 76 mechanisms and 250 initiatives, showed the first results of selection process for 50 cases and concluded by identifying different areas of activity, where scientists and scientific institutions could more productively meet other stakeholders and the public at large.

The conference was held in British Columbia University and divided into four thematic groups: the identities of science, the knowledge systems and pedagogies of science, the social impacts and economics of science, the values and politics of science. Around 100 speakers from US, Africa, Europe, Australia and New Zealand presented their research results and ideas for further exploration.

The audience was extremely interested in PE2020 in general and special attention was paid to the methodological part of the project as well as citizen engagement traditions in different European countries.

– Saule –