Participatory methods and decolonizing science

June 15, 2026

Our team is committed to working towards the end of coloniality in science and uses participatory and decolonial methodologies designed to foster collaboration, reciprocity, and co-production of knowledge. One of the methods we use is “photovoice”. Here, the people who want to work with us are handed out cameras. A research question is asked, and the participants are invited to answer this question through taking photographs. In this way, they share with us knowledge and insights from within their lives which opens the path to more horizontal communication and understanding of each other’s realities and viewpoints. Plus, it is a really fun activity and everybody is curious when we reveal the pictures to each other. In this photo, you can see Cornelio and his son taking pictures during one of our fishing trips.

The IEK-CHANGES project is an ERC Starting Grant funded by the European Union (IEK-CHANGES, 101117423) to Dr. Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Council Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

© 2026 Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
All rights reserved

All Amazonian pictures by Joan de la Malla

Illustrations and logo design by Mar Cartró-Sabaté

El proyecto IEK-CHANGES es una beca «Starting Grant» del Consejo Europeo de Investigación (ERC) financiada por la Unión Europea (IEK-CHANGES, 101117423) y concedida al Dr. Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares.

No obstante, las opiniones y puntos de vista expresados son exclusivamente de los autores y no reflejan necesariamente los de la Unión Europea ni los de la Agencia Ejecutiva del Consejo Europeo de Investigación. Ni la Unión Europea ni la autoridad que concede la subvención se hacen responsables de los mismos.

© 2026 Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
Todos los derechos reservados

Todas las fotografías de la Amazonía son de Joan de la Malla

Ilustraciones y diseño del logotipo: Mar Cartró-Sabaté