Bridging Research and Citizenship Through Reflection: The B-YOUth Forum Model

In today’s complex global landscape, fostering youth participation in democratic processes is a strategic priority recognized by multiple international policy frameworks. However, research highlights a growing youth disengagement from traditional democratic institutions. This paper offers a theoretical and methodological reflection on the role of scientific research as a tool for citizenship education, emphasizing research as a reflective practice to develop critical and deliberative competencies. Through the pedagogical facilitation model implemented in the B-YOUth Forum – a participatory research lab promoted by the University of Milano-Bicocca within the MUSA project – this study explores the potential of research as an educational process. The model invests in scientific research as a strategy for supporting the development of citizenship competencies, through a specific pedagogical facilitation. Findings highlight how engaging in research processes enhances citizenship competencies, encouraging young people to take an active role in decision-making and future-building.