EPICS – Engaging Communities Through Collaborative Research
What is EPICS?
EPICS (Engaging Communities Through Research Service-Learning) is an innovative initiative that connects higher education institutions, students, researchers, and local communities. By integrating Citizen Science and Service-Learning, EPICS fosters sustainable partnerships that address real-world challenges through research-based solutions.
EPICS in Action: Bridging Research and Society
The project is built on three pillars:
Research Literacy: Teaching students to apply scientific methods in service of the community.
Civic Commitment: Encouraging researchers to active engagement with local and global issues.
Community Relevance: Ensuring research responds to real societal needs.
By combining research as service, EPICS empowers students and researchers to produce tangible outcomes—such as scientific reports, policy recommendations, and action plans—that directly benefit their community partners.
How Does EPICS Engage Communities?
The project creates inclusive knowledge-sharing environments where different stakeholders collaborate through:
Citizen Science that involves public participation in the research process.
Service-learning initiatives where students work alongside local organizations to address pressing issues.
Deliberative dialogues that foster democratic engagement and informed decision-making.
Why EPICS Matters
At a time when research often feels disconnected from society, EPICS offers a model for collaborative knowledge production. It demonstrates that universities are not just centers of learning but key players in shaping communities.
Through critical thinking, civic action, and collaborative research, EPICS is redefining what it means to be a global citizen and a lifelong learner.