Journal of Enabling Technologies article awarded Wissen der Vielen – Citizen Science Research Award

Journal of Enabling Technologies is thrilled to announce that a 2022 article has been awarded third place in the Wissen der Vielen – Citizen Science Research Award.

The article "3D printed children’s prostheses as enabling technology? The experience of children with upper limb body differences" by Dr Melike Şahinol was published as part of the special issue "Designing Enabling Technologies for Marginalised Groups" in volume 16, issue 3 of the Journal of Enabling Technologies. 

The paper examined the extent to which 3D printed children's prostheses function as enabling technology, focusing on the experiences of children with upper limb body differences. The results reported that the e-NABLE device used was not only a socially enabling somatechnic, but could also be limiting to children due to its materiality. To properly meet children's needs, Dr Şahinol argues that 3D printed prostheses should be co-developed with children. The paper is the first of its kind to consider the daily lives of children with 3D printed prostheses and their experiences as knowers and makers of such. 

The “Wissen der Vielen (Knowledge of the Many) – Research Award for Citizen Science” is presented by “mit:forschen! Creating knowledge together,” sponsored by “Wissenschaft im Dialog” and the “Museum für Naturkunde Berlin,” and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space. The aim of the award is to strengthen the recognition of citizen science in science and to promote the active participation of citizens in research. You can find out more about the award and the other winners here.