ForestValue2 - Common methodology manual for Scientific Cafés

In recent decades, the social demand for the involvement of civil society in decision-making processes on environmental issues has been growing worldwide. Among the techniques for involving civil society, the Scientific Cafés are new and flexible tools aimed at ensuring effective communication between scientists, practitioners, civil society, and decision-makers on scientific topics in an informal and inclusive way. From 2004 to today, the Scientific Cafés are increasingly spreading in several scientific fields including forestry. The document describes the common methodology followed in a public engagement activity carried out in the framework of ForestValue2 (Horizon Europe project). The methodology includes five steps: i) identification of the scientific topics; ii) selection of the audience (general public or a specific target group of stakeholders); iii) Scientific Café organization (in person or virtually); iv) definition of the participatory technique; and v) definition of the outcomes. Finally, the approach is based on a few key aspects that create a successful Scientific Café: informality and accessibility of the events as well as a friendly, inclusive, and non-competitive environment.