Introduction: Public participation in science and technology policy- and decision-making - ephemeral phenomenon or lasting change?

Public participation has become something of a phenomenon in science and technology public policy- and decision-making. The issue is at present characterised by a rich conceptual, methodological and practical diversity, the expansion into new thematic, institutional and socio-cultural areas, and an increasing recognition amongst relevant public institutions. Far from being static and saturated, it is driven by continuing development. This special issue was put together with a view to offering an introduction into, and a broad overview of, both different theoretical and practical perspectives on public participation.