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Second round of RRI Training – University of Bristol

The Second round of Re-Cognition Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) training took place between September and November 2021. Three training sessions were conducted online and hosted by the Public Engagement team at the University of Bristol.

The main aim of these sessions was to reflect on the conversations and activities that had been conducted over the course of the project in response to the Re-cognition RRI framework that was implemented.

In the first session, partners were invited to reflect on the RRI pledge that was made during the initial RRI training session, and to explore whether we were successful in upholding this pledge. Partners were also invited to reflect on the impact that the RRI activities had on them and their work so far and what changes they will continue to make going forward in future projects.

Gender was the focus of the second session. Kilter Theatre developed and delivered creative activities that helped partners to explore how diversity in research groups can increase the quality of innovation. The activities supported partners in considering their unconscious biases and privilege and exploring how this might manifest in their workplace. They were also encouraged to reflect on the value of diverse perspectives and the impact that can have on their research teams.

In the final session, the partners heard about the plans to engage with the public to get feedback on the Re-cognition technology. The Artist collective, Leo&Hyde, shared their creative methodologies that would be used to inspire public groups to explore futures and the impact the technology could have on their lives. Partners helped to inform this process by offering their Dystopian/Utopian visions of a future society where Re-cognition technology is successfully or unsuccessfully implemented, a powerful tool for anticipating the impact technology might have in the future. Partners also helped to shape the questions that will be asked to public groups. The Public Engagement activities were delivered between February and June 2022 and partners were invited to a final RRI workshop in March, where the initial outcomes of these activities were shared.

Throughout this process, Partners were encouraged to think about whether their involvement in RRI activities has had an impact on them in future work they carry out:

‘Yes, not only in future projects, but I will also try to incorporate it in my daily work life from now on, regardless of position or employer. 1) Because gender equity and equity, in general, is a matter of personal and social responsibility and ethics, 2) User/Society-centred design and public engagement are crucial factors when it comes to the acceptance and success of a technology or product.’ – Re-cognition Consortium Member

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