On 24 November 2023, Luca Verzichelli (University of Siena) took part in a conference at the University of Caen Normandy in France, where he presented the REDIRECT project in a session focused on the role of social scientists in contemporary democratic contexts.
His contribution, titled “Participatory Action Research and Democracy. The Role of Social Scientists in Times of Democratic Backlash”, addressed the broader agency of researchers in shaping public debates and policy agendas in an era marked by democratic erosion, polarisation, and institutional distrust.
Verzichelli positioned REDIRECT within this framework, underlining how the project not only analyses patterns of representative disconnect, but also aims to foster democratic engagement through collaborative and participatory approaches. The event provided a valuable occasion to reflect on how academic work can contribute to the defence and renewal of democratic practices, especially in times of heightened political volatility.
Date: 24 November 2023
Location: University of Caen Normandy, France
Partner: University of Siena (UNISI)
Participant: Luca Verzichelli
Type of event: Conference / Public engagement
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