Research and Citizens’ Science

Research and Citizen Science constitute foundational pillars of Co-PLAN’s mission, methodology, and project portfolio. Since its early days, Co-PLAN has been at the forefront of conducting rigorous research and leveraging citizen science initiatives to address complex socio-economic challenges, inform policymaking, and foster community engagement in Albania. Co-PLAN’s approach to research integrates academic rigor with practical applicability, ensuring that findings contribute directly to evidence-based policy recommendations and advocacy efforts. Research activities span many topics, including territorial governance, urban development, environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, social cohesion, and, recently, social and spatial justice of green transition. Through in-depth analysis and comprehensive assessments, Co-PLAN generates actionable insights that drive positive change at local, regional, and national levels.

In parallel with traditional research methods, Co-PLAN actively promotes citizen science initiatives to empower communities, enhance public participation, and democratize the research process. Through citizen science projects, we enable local residents to contribute valuable data, insights, and perspectives, thereby enriching the research ecosystem and fostering a sense of ownership over community issues. By engaging citizens as co-researchers, we ensure that research outcomes reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of the communities they serve.

Products and Services

  • Conducting socio-economic and gender-sensitive surveys, assessing socio-economic trends, gender disparities, and community needs;
  • Poverty and Social Impact Assessments (PSIA), evaluating the socio-economic impact of development initiatives on vulnerable populations;
  • Policy research and advocacy: conducting policy research on critical issues such as regionalization, public transportation, solid waste management, renewable energy, social and spatial justice of transition processes, etc.;
  • Disparity and other territorial analyses;
  • Research papers and advocacy in collaboration with academic partners to advance knowledge in key areas;
  • Research design and data analysis: designing research methodologies and analyzing data using advanced digital tools;
  • Capacity building and training: training researchers and citizens in data collection techniques, tools, and methodologies tailored to the target group and local contexts;
  • Dissemination and advocacy campaigns: disseminating research findings through conferences, publications, workshops, and media channels to raise awareness and drive positive change;
  • Design methodologies and tools for the involvement of citizens in science projects and research;
  • Collaboration and partnering with academic institutions and research institutes in the country, region, and European level to undertake joint research and educational initiatives;

Implemented and ongoing projects and/or publications

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