Participatory science in higher education: a case study in a Mexican sustainability graduate program

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the adoption of participatory science principles in a Mexican higher education Sustainability Graduate program to comply with a novel General Law of Humanities, Sciences, Technologies and Innovation to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4). Design/methodology/approach Through exploratory qualitative research based on a demonstrative case study, information was obtained from a selected group of professors in the Sustainability Graduate Program. Their testimonies allowed us to understand the efforts made to include the approach in the graduate program’s academic work. This study relied on two qualitative research methods to deeply understand the phenomenon studied: document analysis and semi-structured interviews. Findings This paper offers the scientific community a case study that suggests how participatory methodology can encourage professors and students to participate in sustainability-related projects. The academic program has adopted the participatory science approach based on strategic alliances with the international community, which have allowed the exchange of experiences, the training of professors and the development of relevant projects in the field of sustainability. The academic community has partnered with civil society, indigenous communities, companies from different industrial sectors and government institutions, strengthening the connection of the Sonoran community with essential aspects of sustainability. Research limitations/implications Participatory Science projects might impact society by offering it an opportunity to solve everyday problems related to the environment. Adopting Participatory Science Principles in higher education institutions requires a paradigm shift in current science. Originality/value Participatory science is a highly relevant concept within the legal framework of science in Mexico, which guarantees the exercise of the human right to science and its enjoyment, ensuring the prevention, attention and solution of complex national problems such as climate change.