Science Shops: A Way To Get Colombian Universities Closer To The Community

Abstract

Science shop is a concept based on participation. It is a bottom-up approach that identifies the community needs and develops research according to them. This is away for universities to act in a socially responsible manner while using this concept as a pedagogic tool topromote the commitment of students to the academia and the community. Medellin has already developed several projects that are similar to the science shop concept. More particularly, Universidad EAFIT from Colombia has developed projects with the City Mayor’s Office that go in line with it.