Impacting life expectancies of incarcerated people through dialogic scientific gatherings and dialogic scientific workshops in prisons

The study explores the impact of dialogic scientific gatherings (DSGs) and dialogic scientific workshops on scientific interest and literacy among incarcerated people, addressing a gap in research on DSGs in prisons. Implemented in a Catalonian men’s prison (Spain) from February to April 2022, the intervention involved 19 incarcerated men (ages 29–44) who participated in 21 DSGs and 12 scientific workshops conducted by researchers. Using a communicative case study approach, data were collected through 15 communicative observations during DSGs, eight interviews with incarcerated participants, and two interviews with prison staff. Findings show increased motivation to participate in scientific activities, enhanced awareness and interest in science, and meaning-making in learning. The activities fostered egalitarian dialogue and co-creation of knowledge, improving participants’ scientific literacy and transforming interactions within and beyond prison. The study demonstrates the feasibility and positive impact of bringing science closer to traditionally excluded populations.