What makes a CategorY
Science In Vivo categories are collections of individual sites that share a distinct setting or a set of processes. Simple enough! But these categories are worth noting for two reasons:
Categories are tested in multiple contexts
Individual Science In Vivo sites are very focused on adapting to the particulars of their specific setting and context. Some general lessons can always be learned from a single site, but learning how situated engagement plays out in different scenarios requires that we try something more than once, with more than one team, and in different cultural contexts. Categories allow Science In Vivo to bring together team members and observers to compare lessons from multiple sites, so we know the conclusions here apply to more than just a one-off event.
Categories suggest specific practices worth trying... maybe
In a sense, Science In Vivo categories have passed the test. We have thought deeply about the potentials and pitfalls related to each category, and share that thinking here. However, this doesn't mean that you can now skip that work. Situated engagement does not lend itself to plug-and-play templates, or nifty tricks that you can put together in a week. Behind each of the events featured here was a local, intentional, and sometimes messy process. So, yes: try these categories out if they seem like a fit for you, but don't leap over all of the preparation that makes situated engagement meaningful.
