Successful societies rely on timely and trustworthy knowledge to address issues of public concern. Science Shops were established in Europe in the 1970s (www.scienceshops.org), to enhance the flow of knowledge between universities and the communities in which they reside. Today Science Shops operate in universities all over the world to serve the needs of not-for-profit organisations that lack sufficient resources to conduct their own research.
The University of Waterloo Science Shop was created in 2008 through a partnership between the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences. Together we help organisations in Waterloo Region get easy access to existing information and evidence needed for building effective and sustainable community programs.
The Science Shop is a knowledge transfer service powered by the high quality training, knowledge, and dedication of students at the University of Waterloo. In return, students learn how community service works, they absorb the knowledge and strategies of their community, and they discover new career opportunities. In this way the University and the community join hands in making Waterloo Region a successful society for all.