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Project Code [2018-SE-DS-17]

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Project title

Sensing our world: How digital cultural practices can contribute to changing social norms around consumption

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Dublin City University (DCU)

Lead Applicant

Trish Morgan

Project Abstract

This project investigates the potential for environmental data visualisation to communicate to publics in Ireland. The project is concerned with how open environmental datasets can be used in novel ways, using digital media, to communicate with publics, and raise awareness about cultural norms around consumption. The project is specifically investigates how environmental data is presented through digital media, and assesses how digital cultural practices may engage audiences, raising awareness around consumption. The project has direct synergies and linkages with project 14 in the sustainability call in relation to social norms around consumption. It builds on evidence from EPA report 215, which revealed how the compromised commercial nature of media broadcasting undermines its potential for transformational public discourse on behaviour change. The project invokes the key question: how can already-existing practices in digital media provide insight into how large environmental datasets are communicated? This question is to be answered through (1) an interdisciplinary research and literature review, (2) an investigation of the canon of existing national and international projects that use environmental data and apply it in novel ways to communicate with publics, (3) geographical fieldwork to investigate international practices that are already engaging in this way with datasets. The project consists of a variety of outputs, designed to contribute to knowledge of a range of stakeholders. Outputs include two peer-reviewed journal submissions, paper presentations at three conferences (one national, two international), a rich media website, a workshop, a guide for educators, and a final report and summary. These outputs engage stakeholders from the EPA, policy practitioners, academic domains, to educators, students and the general public.

Grant Approved

�88,259.70

Research Hub

Sustainability

Research Theme

Socio-Economic Considerations

Start Date

28/01/2019

Initial Projected Completion Date

27/01/2020