ANT-Academy - Antventure

The ANTman

Bruno Latour is a prominent French philosopher and sociologist of science known for his work on Actor-Network Theory (ANT). ANT is a theoretical framework that explores how social and technical elements interact and shape one another in networks. Latour often uses the metaphor of the ant to illustrate concepts within ANT. Let’s check why I want to be called ANTman, briefly:

Flat Ontology

Latour argues for a flat ontology, which means that both human and non-human entities (such as ants, objects, technologies) are considered as equal actors in a network. Just as an ant in a colony has agency, so do other elements in a network.

Non-Human Agency

We understand that non-human entities have agency. This means that they can act, influence, and shape the network just as much as human actors. In this sense, an ant in a network has as much agency as a scientist in a laboratory.

Symmetry

We advocate for the principle of symmetry in ANT. This means that human and non-human entities are treated with equal importance in the analysis of networks. An ant’s actions and contributions are considered on par with those of a human.

Translation

In ANT, the concept of translation is crucial. It refers to the process by which different actors in a network align their interests and meanings in order to work together. Just as ants might communicate through chemical signals, actors in a network translate their intentions and meanings to collaborate.

Black-Boxing

We use the concept of “black-boxing” to describe how certain actors become taken for granted or invisible in a network. Just as ants might be overlooked as individual actors within a colony, certain elements in a network can become “black-boxed” and their contributions are not actively considered.

Heterogeneity

ANT emphasises the heterogeneity of actors within a network. This means that actors can be of various types, including human, non-human, living, non-living, etc. Just as an ant might interact with other ants, humans, and elements in its environment, a network in ANT can involve a wide range of actors.

Actor-Network

The term “actor-network” itself embodies the idea that actors (both human and non-human) are interconnected in a network of relations. This network can be small, like an ant colony, or large, like a scientific community.

School of Science Studiers and ANT-Academy

A “school of science studiers” envisions a multidisciplinary approach to studying science. This would involve breaking down traditional boundaries between disciplines and considering the complex networks that shape scientific knowledge production.

Collective Action and Non-Human Actors

We emphasise that in ANT, not only humans but also non-human entities (referred to as “actants”) play a crucial role in shaping events and outcomes. This is similar to how ants, despite being individually small, collectively achieve significant tasks through their coordinated actions.

Networks and Associations

Our ANT focuses on the concept of associations, which are temporary alignments of human and non-human actants that work together to produce effects. Like ants forming temporary trails or structures, actants in a network come together to achieve specific goals.

Flat Ontology

ANT posits a “flat ontology,” which means that all entities (human and non-human) are considered to be equally important in shaping events. Just as each ant in a colony contributes to the collective behaviour, each actant in a network has agency.

Translation

The concept of translation is used to describe the process, through which an actant gains relevance and meaning within a network. This is akin to how ants communicate through chemical signals, transforming information into actions. Or the way we align our goals and interests, to collaborate on a project.

Immutable Mobiles

We use the term “immutable mobiles” to refer to objects or documents that have the ability to carry information across time and space. This can be compared to how ants use pheromones to communicate and guide other members of the colony. Like the Job cover letter that show your fit, or that Statement of purpose for that university scholarship.

Hybridity: ANT emphasises the hybrid nature of actors, which can be composed of both human and non-human elements. Just as an ant colony is a hybrid of individual ants, a network can include a diverse range of actants.

Controversy and Dispute: Latour is interested in how controversies and disputes arise in the process of establishing scientific facts. This can be compared to how ants might have differing opinions on the best route to a food source, leading to conflicts.

A School of science studies envisions a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to studying science. This school would embrace the principles of ANT, emphasising the importance of understanding how networks of actants shape scientific knowledge and practice. Students and researchers in this school would be encouraged to investigate the complex interactions between humans and non-humans in scientific endeavours.

Keep in mind that while these are some of the key ideas and metaphors associated with Bruno Latour and ANT, the field of science studies is broad and encompasses various other perspectives and approaches as well.

I follow Latour’s use of the ant metaphor in conjunction with ANT serves to highlight the intricate and dynamic nature of networks, as well as the significance of non-human actors in shaping social and scientific phenomena.

ANTman responds.

To my people in Mitchells Plain

I am from Mitchells Plain and I want ANT-Academy for us, so we can hopefully live together.

Mitchells Plain is a place of many stories and possibilities. It is one of the largest and most diverse residential areas in South Africa, with people from different backgrounds and classes. It is also a place of challenges and struggles, with problems such as crime, drug abuse, and poverty. But Mitchells Plain is not defined by these problems. It is defined by the people who live there, and how they create networks of relationships with each other and with their environment.

In ANT-Academy, we want to help you discover and shape these networks, using a way of thinking called actor-network theory (ANT). ANT is a way of looking at the world that helps us understand how everything is connected and how we can make a difference. In ANT, we see the world as a network of actors, which are not just people, but also things, animals, and nature. Everything that exists and does something is an actor. Actors work together or against each other to create networks of relationships. These networks are not fixed or simple, but always changing and complex.

In ANT-Academy, we want to help you explore these networks, using various tools and methods, such as data analysis, network mapping, storytelling, and art. We want to help you respect, understand, appreciate, reveal, challenge, communicate, collaborate, innovate, experiment, search, embrace, open your eyes, and weave together the threads of your diverse and dynamic networks. We want to help you create new insights and solutions for your community and your planet.

This is our invitation for you to join us in this exciting adventure of discovering and shaping our world as a network of ants. We are ANT-Academy, a community that welcomes you to learn and grow with us. We believe that Mitchells Plain has a lot of potential and hope, and we want to share it with you.

To my friends and colleagues

Friend, I want to share with you something that I have been studying and working on. It’s called ANT, which stands for actor-network theory. It’s a way of looking at the world that helps me understand how everything is connected and how I can make a difference.

In ANT, I see the world as a network of actors, which are not just people, but also things, animals, and nature. Everything that exists and does something is an actor. Actors work together or against each other to create networks of relationships. These networks are not fixed or simple, but always changing and complex.

In ANT, I am like an ant, curious and humble. I follow the trails of other actors, and see how they work together or against each other. I respect their differences and similarities, and try to understand their perspectives and meanings. I appreciate their complexity and diversity, and reveal their hidden and silenced voices.

In ANT, I am also an artist, creative and provocative. I challenge myself and others, and explore new possibilities. I question, deconstruct, and reassemble networks, creating new insights and solutions. I communicate and collaborate with different actors, finding common ground and mutual benefit. I innovate and experiment with hybrids, mixtures of worlds that spark new ideas.

In ANT, I am finally a seeker, passionate and humble. I search for the truth, not as a final destination, but as a journey. I embrace the uncertainty and controversy that come with it, knowing that they are sources of progress and learning. I open my eyes to the hidden and silenced actors in our networks, especially the poor and marginalized, giving them voice and value.

This is what I have been learning and doing developing ANT-Academy, a community that welcomes people to join them in this exciting adventure of discovering and shaping our world as a network of ants. I hope this makes sense to you, friend. I miss you very much.

To my Mom and Dad

I hope that you are proud of me. I want to share with you, what I have been learning.

Mom, I want to tell you about something that I have been studying and working on. It’s called ANT, which stands for actor-network theory. It’s a way of looking at the world that helps us understand how everything is connected and how we can make a difference.

In ANT, we think of the world as a network of actors, which are not just people, but also things, animals, and nature. Everything that exists and does something is an actor. Actors work together or against each other to create networks of relationships. These networks are not fixed or simple, but always changing and complex.

In ANT, we are like ants, curious and humble. We follow the trails of other actors, and see how they work together or against each other. We respect their differences and similarities, and try to understand their perspectives and meanings. We appreciate their complexity and diversity, and reveal their hidden and silenced voices.

In ANT, we are also artists, creative and provocative. We challenge ourselves and others, and explore new possibilities. We question, deconstruct, and reassemble networks, creating new insights and solutions. We communicate and collaborate with different actors, finding common ground and mutual benefit. We innovate and experiment with hybrids, mixtures of worlds that spark new ideas.

In ANT, we are finally seekers, passionate and humble. We search for the truth, not as a final destination, but as a journey. We embrace the uncertainty and controversy that come with it, knowing that they are sources of progress and learning. We open our eyes to the hidden and silenced actors in our networks, especially the poor and marginalised, giving them voice and value.

This is what I have been learning and doing developing ANT-Academy, a community that welcomes discovering and shaping our world as a network of ants. I hope this makes sense to you, mom and pops. I love you very much.

To my academics

We propose a novel approach to the study of science and technology, based on the theoretical and methodological framework of actor-network theory (ANT). ANT is an interdisciplinary perspective that views everything in the social and natural worlds as a product of the network of relationships between human and non-human actors. ANT does not privilege any type of actor over another, and treats sociological and technological factors as equally important. ANT is also associated with forceful critiques of conventional and critical sociology.

Our approach consists of three main elements:

Empirical: We conduct empirical research on the actors and their networks involved in science and technology, following their associations and translations across different domains and contexts. We use a variety of data sources and methods, such as ethnography, interviews, documents, archives, and network analysis. We do not impose our own categories or frameworks on the actors, but adapt to their own terms and meanings.
Analytical: We analyse the structure and dynamics of the actor-networks, using network concepts and techniques to measure and visualize their properties, such as density, centrality, clustering, and diffusion. We also examine the processes and mechanisms that shape and are shaped by the actor-networks, such as innovation, controversy, hybridisation, and stabilisation.
Normative: We evaluate the implications and outcomes of the actor-networks for society and nature, using ethical and political criteria to assess their benefits and harms, their justice and injustice, their sustainability and resilience. We also propose recommendations and interventions for improving or transforming the actor-networks, based on the interests and needs of different stakeholders.

We believe that our approach can contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice in science and technology studies (STS), by providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex and dynamic networks that constitute our reality. We also believe that our approach can foster a more inclusive and diverse perspective on science and technology, by revealing the hidden and silenced actors in our networks, especially the poor and marginalised, giving them voice and value.

We invite you to join us in this exciting adventure of discovering and shaping our world as a network of ants. We are ANT-Academy, a community of researchers, practitioners, educators, activists, and enthusiasts who share a common vision and passion for ANT.

To the Kiddies

Imagine you’re like an ant in a big ant family. Each ant might be small, but together, they can do amazing things! Just like ants work together, Bruno Latour, a smart thinker, talks about how lots of different things, not just people, can work together to make important stuff happen.

In my idea, he says that everything around us, even things like objects or animals, can have a special role in making things happen. Just like ants use signals to talk to each other, everything can communicate in its own way.

He also thinks that everyone and everything is important and can do cool stuff. Just like how ants all help in their own way, everyone and everything has its own special role in making things work.

So, I have a dream about a special school where kids can learn about how everything in the world works together, just like ants in a big ant family. It’s a bit like a big adventure to discover how amazing our world really is!

People that care

We are curious about the world, and how everything is connected. We want to learn from the actors, human and non-human, that make up our reality. We follow their trails, and see how they create networks of relationships. We respect their differences and similarities, and try to understand their perspectives and meanings. We appreciate their complexity and diversity, and reveal their hidden and silenced voices.

We are also creative, and want to make a difference in the world. We challenge ourselves and others, and explore new possibilities. We question, deconstruct, and reassemble networks, creating new insights and solutions. We communicate and collaborate with different actors, finding common ground and mutual benefit. We innovate and experiment with hybrids, mixtures of worlds that spark new ideas.

We are finally passionate and want to find the truth in the world. We search for it, not as a final destination, but as a journey. We embrace the uncertainty and controversy that come with it, knowing that they are sources of progress and learning. We open our eyes to the hidden and silenced actors in our networks, especially the poor and marginalised, giving them voice and value. We weave together the threads of our diverse and dynamic networks, creating a rich and beautiful tapestry of knowledge.

This is our invitation for ANT-Academy, a community that welcomes you to join us in this exciting adventure of discovering and shaping our world as a network of ants.

For the Youth in my life, and the children I sold Hope too…

Imagine a world where everything is connected, not just people, but also things, animals, and nature. A world where nothing is fixed or simple, but always changing and complex. A world where you can’t just look at the big picture or the small details, but at the whole network of interactions. This is the world of ANT, a way of thinking that helps us explore the mysteries of our reality.

In ANT, we are like ants, curious and humble. We follow the trails of other actors, human and non-human, and see how they work together or against each other. We don’t judge or assume but listen and learn. We don’t impose our own ideas or meanings but adapt to theirs. We don’t simplify or ignore but reveal and appreciate.

In ANT, we are also artists, creative and provocative. We challenge the common sense and the status quo. We question, deconstruct, and reassemble networks, creating new perspectives and possibilities. We communicate and collaborate with different actors, finding common ground and mutual benefit. We innovate and experiment with hybrids, mixtures of worlds that spark new solutions.

This is our manifesto for ANT-Academy, a community that invites you to join us in this exciting adventure of discovering and shaping our world as a network of ants.

ANT Manifesto

1. My fellow people on earth

We are ants, not sociologists. We do not explain social phenomena by imposing our preconceived categories and frameworks, but by following the actors themselves, wherever they lead us, and by describing their associations and translations

We are not interested in the macro or the micro, but in the meso. We do not assume that there are levels of reality, but only heterogeneous networks that can be traced and mapped. We do not privilege human agency over non-human agency, but treat them symmetrically and relationally.

We are not afraid of complexity, uncertainty, or controversy. We embrace them as opportunities to learn from the actors and their innovations. We do not seek to simplify or stabilise the networks, but to reveal their multiplicity and fluidity. We do not impose a single perspective or a final closure but acknowledge the plurality and openness of the networks.

We are not detached observers, but engaged participants. We do not pretend to be neutral or objective, but reflexive and situated. We do not hide our interests or values, but make them explicit and accountable. We do not claim to represent the actors, but to co-produce knowledge with them

We are not dogmatic, but pragmatic. We do not adhere to a fixed methodology or a rigid theory, but to a flexible strategy and a creative approach. We do not impose our own definitions or explanations, but adapt to the actors’ own terms and meanings. We do not seek to generalise or universalise our findings, but to contextualise and localise them

This is our manifesto of ANT. We invite you to join us in this exciting adventure of exploring the social world as a network of ants.

2. Manifesto for the ANT-Academy:

In the spirit of Actor-Network Theory (ANT), we envision an academy that redefines the way we approach knowledge, emphasising humility, thought-provocation, and valuing all actors within our networks. Our manifesto is a call to action for a community that seeks to understand the complex interplay between humans and non-humans, acknowledging their agency in shaping our world.

Humility as the Cornerstone

We acknowledge that no single actor holds the monopoly on knowledge. Humility is our guiding principle, recognising that every entity, from the microscopic to the monumental, contributes to the construction of our collective reality. We strive to be receptive to the diverse perspectives that each actor brings to the table.

Recognising Non-Human Agency

In the ANT-Academy, ants bear the same weight as scientists, machines stand alongside philosophers, and nature holds equal sway with culture. Non-human actors are not mere tools, but powerful agents in their own right. We embrace the idea that a network is only as strong as its weakest actor, valuing every contribution.

Provoking Thought and Challenging Assumptions

We commit to cultivating a space that fosters critical thinking and challenges established norms. By questioning, deconstructing, and reassembling networks, we provoke new perspectives, generating innovation and creativity. This process is not confined to the academic realm; it permeates our approach to real-world issues.

The Art of Translation

Translation is our bridge to collaboration. We champion the skill of understanding and accommodating diverse languages, both literal and metaphorical. Through this process, we create connections, fostering dialogue between actors that may otherwise remain isolated.

Celebrating Heterogeneity

Diversity is our strength. We embrace the heterogeneous nature of our networks, recognising that every actor brings a unique set of skills, perspectives, and contributions. Our community thrives on the rich flavour of backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences that shape our collective endeavours.

Demystifying Black-Boxes

No actor should remain hidden or unquestioned. We commit to dismantling black boxes, unravelling the complexities within our networks. By bringing transparency to hidden processes, we empower ourselves to make informed decisions and better understand the intricate workings of our world.

The Pursuit of Symmetry

Symmetry is our beacon, guiding us towards a balanced and inclusive approach to knowledge. In our academy, no actor is elevated above another. We champion equality, recognising the intrinsic value of every contribution, be it from a human, an ant, a machine, or nature itself.

Conclusion

The ANT-Academy stands as a testament to the transformative power of humility, thought-provocation, and valuing all actors. In this community, we invite scholars, thinkers, and actors of all kinds to join us in reshaping the way we understand, collaborate, and navigate our complex world. Together, we march on this journey of discovery, celebrating the intricate performativity of actors in our networks.

3. Manifesto of Radical Connectivity: The Weird, and Marginalised

In the spirit of Actor-Network Theory and with a nod to Bruno Latour and the trailblazing pioneers, we present a manifesto that disrupts conventions and champions the vital, the weird, and the marginalised. Our call to action is a weird dance of interconnectedness, celebrating the richness of every actor in our shared networks.

Weirdness as Wisdom

In the ANT cosmos, weirdness is a badge of honour. We dare to revel in the eccentric, the unconventional, and the uncharted. By embracing the weird, we unlock the hidden potential within our networks and shatter the illusions of normalcy.

The Vital Dance of Entities

Every actor, from a microbe to a megastar, pulsates with vitality. In our manifesto, vitalism surges through every vein of our network. We cherish the life force that permeates all, uniting the animate and inanimate in a cosmic ballet.

Pioneering the Marginalised

Our gaze extends beyond the mainstream, seeking out the voices in the shadows. We amplify the narratives of the unheard, for in the margins lies a wellspring of untapped wisdom and potential. Through radical inclusion, we build bridges that transcend boundaries.

Humility in the Face of Complexity

We humbly acknowledge that no single perspective holds the key to truth. In our quest for understanding, we approach the universe with reverence, recognising that every entity, no matter how humble or grand, contributes to the mosaic of existence.

Rhythms of Translation

We are poets of translation, weaving together the languages of ants, algorithms, and artists. Through the alchemy of translation, we forge connections that defy linguistic and cultural barriers, birthing new forms of understanding and collaboration.

Demystifying Black-Boxed Realities

No actor shall languish in obscurity or opacity. We are ardent investigators, committed to making challenges visible within our networks. By shedding light on the hidden, we empower ourselves to dismantle the walls that separate us from the true essence of our existence.

The Harmony of Symmetry

In our struggle for existence, every note carries equal weight. We celebrate the symmetrical contributions of actors, human or non-human, refusing to elevate one above the other. Through this radical equality, we understand how objects, humans and ideas collaborate in how I can move on this earth, in my community and as a YOU.

The ANT Academy Manifesto invites all visionaries, pioneers, and champions of the weird and vital to join us in this current climate regime. Together, we will traverse the astral plains of existence, valuing every actor in our intricate network. We dare to make visible, a meaning that transcends the ordinary and embraces the extraordinary.

4. Networks of Understanding

We recognise that the world is a web of connections, woven by humans and non-humans alike. In every endeavour, we must acknowledge the agency of all actors, whether animate or inanimate. Together, they shape our narratives, our decisions, and the very fabric of our existence.

Translate, Don’t Simplify: In our pursuit of understanding, we commit to the art of translation. We reject the allure of shortcuts and oversimplification, for they mask the richness of reality. Instead, we strive to reveal the intricate dance of ideas, values, and influences that shape our world.

Seek the Immutable Mobiles: We acknowledge the power of objects, documents, and ideas as carriers of meaning and influence across time and space. By examining these “immutable mobiles,” we unravel hidden narratives, illuminating the threads that bind the past, present, and future.

Cultivate Hybrid Thinking: We celebrate the hybrid nature of actors, valuing the contributions of both human and non-human entities. Through this slow motion, we see the world as a rhizome of diverse perspectives, where every element plays a unique and vital role.

Foster Controversy, Embrace Dispute: We welcome controversy as a platform of critical thinking. In disputes, we find the fertile ground where ideas clash, sparking the fires of progress. By tracing slowly these contentious landscapes, we forge new pathways to insight and understanding.

Practice Humility in Inquiry: With open hearts and minds, we approach our studies with humility. We recognise that knowledge is a journey, not a destination. We welcome the wisdom of diverse voices and perspectives, understanding that every viewpoint enriches our collective understanding.

The ANT-Academy is a sanctuary for those who dare to venture beyond the surface, who seek to understand the world in all its complexity. Here, we honour the trap of actors, where every voice, every entity, contributes to the narrative of existence. Together, we untangle the threads that bind us, forging a future visible by the wisdom of humble inquiry.

5. Manifesto for Liberation

This manifesto is an ode to the pioneers of Actor-Network Theory and a call to arms for those who yearn for a world where the marginalised are not mere shadows, but vibrant nodes in the web of life.

Liberation through Complexity: In the motion of actors, we uncover the hidden ways of existence. We reject the flatness of perception and embrace the depth of every entity, granting voice to the voiceless, and power to the powerless.

Radical Translation, Not Convenient Reduction: We refuse the tyranny of simplicity. We are translators, not butchers of meaning. Let the cacophony of perspectives be our muse, for in the clash of ideas, we birth the symphony of understanding.

Alchemy of Immutable Mobiles: Objects, humble and grand, bear the weight of history. We are alchemists, transmuting the past into the future, breathing life into forgotten relics, and giving voice to silenced narratives.

The Hybrids Shall Inherit the Earth: In every confluence of being, we find strength. Let the mingling of human and non-human, rich and poor, be the crucible where new worlds are forged. For in diversity, lies our true unity.

Controversy, the Forge of Progress: In the temptation of dissent, we forge our path. We champion the misfit, the outcast, for it is in their struggle that new worlds are conceived. Let controversy be our guiding star and dispute our compass.

Humility, the Lantern of Justice: Inquiry is our lantern, humility our compass. We traverse the landscapes of knowledge, guided by the whispers of the marginalised, the stories of the forgotten. For it is in the shadows that truth often resides.

From the Veil, Emerges the Voice: In our daily existence, we hear the cries of the poor. Their struggles are not just echoes, but resonant chords in the grand symphony of life. Together, we lift the veil, revealing the hidden, and liberating the oppressed.

In the encounter with entities, we find our calling. The entangled liberation we seek is not just for some, but for all. Let this manifesto be a rallying cry, a battle hymn for those who dare to dream of a world where every node, no matter how small, is a beacon of meaning and purpose.

6.Shorties

Spiderman?

In the web of existence, every node holds meaning, even the smallest. Let us untangle the threads,

for in complexity lies liberation.

Translation, not reduction, births true understanding. Objects whisper history; let us listen and amplify their voices. Hybrids, harmonies of human and non-human, shape our world.

Controversy sparks progress, and dispute forges paths. In humility, we find wisdom; in shadows,

truth often resides. Lift the veil,

reveal the hidden, and let every voice, especially the poor’s, resound in the symphony of life.

The Alchemist

Embrace the enigma of networks, where power flows in unexpected directions. See the world not as a stage, but as a dance of actors, each with a role to play.

Translate ideas with finesse, for in complexity, clarity emerges. Immutable mobiles hold tales untold.

let them sing.

Hybrids, mixtures of worlds, birth innovation. Controversy, the crucible of progress, molds futures.

Humility is our lantern, illuminating the path to truth.

Unveil the veiled, for every voice, especially the poor’s, is a chorus in the grand opera of existence.

Let us be weavers of this strange and beautiful tapestry, where all threads matter.”

ANT proposals

1. ANT-Academy

ANT-Academy: A Community-Based Education and Training Project in Science and Technology

Summary

This proposal outlines a project that aims to establish ANT-Academy, a community-based organisation that provides innovative and inclusive education and training in science and technology, based on the theoretical and methodological framework of actor-network theory (ANT). The project will target the youth, women, and marginalised groups in Mitchells Plain, one of the largest and most diverse residential areas in South Africa, with a population of about 300 000 people. The project will involve the following activities:

Conducting a needs assessment and stakeholder analysis of the Mitchells Plain community.
Designing and developing a curriculum and learning materials that are relevant, engaging, and accessible for the target audience
Recruiting and training a team of facilitators, mentors, and coaches who are knowledgeable and passionate about ANT and science and technology.
Establishing a learning centre in Mitchells Plain that is equipped with adequate facilities, equipment, and resources
Implementing the curriculum through a blended learning approach that combines face-to-face sessions, online platforms, field visits, project-based learning, and peer-to-peer learning.
Monitoring and evaluating the impact of the curriculum on the learners’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviours, and outcomes in science and technology..
Disseminating the results and lessons learned from the curriculum to the wider community and beyond

The project is expected to have the following outcomes and impacts:

Increased awareness and participation of the target audience in science and technology issues that affect their lives and their environment
Improved skills and competencies of the target audience in network thinking and analysis, innovation, controversy, hybridisation, stabilisation, ethics, politics, sustainability, resilience, etc.
Enhanced social capital and empowerment of the target audience through networking, collaboration, and innovation with other actors in their community and beyond.
Reduced social inequalities and exclusion of the target audience by giving them voice and value in science and technology networks.
Contributed to the advancement of knowledge and practice in science and technology studies (STS), by providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex and dynamic networks that constitute our reality

The project is aligned with the goals and interests of various stakeholders, such as:

The funders, who are interested in supporting innovative and inclusive education and training projects in science and technology that can address social challenges and create positive change.
The academics and teachers, who are interested in applying ANT as a guiding perspective for teaching and learning science and technology, as well as conducting research on ANT-related topics.
The learners, who are interested in gaining new knowledge and skills in science and technology that can improve their lives and their environment, as well as exploring new possibilities for their future careers
The community members, who are interested in being involved in science and technology issues that affect them, as well as benefiting from the solutions and opportunities that the project can create.

The project is seeking a total budget of R3 950 000 for a duration of 12 months. The project is led by Dean Booysen, a student in STS experience in ANT. The project is supported by TBA, who are reputable organisations that have relevant experience and resources for the project.

We invite you to join us in this exciting adventure of discovering and shaping our world as a network of ants. We are ANT-Academy, a community that welcomes you to learn and grow with us.

A proposal for Mitchells Plain would:

The main objective of the proposal is to establish ANT-Academy as a community-based organisation that provides innovative and inclusive education and training in science and technology, based on the theoretical and methodological framework of actor-network theory (ANT).

The main activities of the proposal are:

To conduct a needs assessment and stakeholder analysis of the Mitchells Plain community, especially the youth, women, and marginalised groups, to identify their interests, challenges, and opportunities in science and technology.

To design and develop a curriculum and learning materials that are relevant, engaging, and accessible for the target audience, using ANT as a guiding perspective and incorporating local knowledge, culture, and context.

To recruit and train a team of facilitators, mentors, and coaches who are knowledgeable and passionate about ANT and science and technology, and who can deliver the curriculum effectively and support the learners throughout their learning journey.

To establish a learning centre in Mitchells Plain that is equipped with adequate facilities, equipment, and resources to provide a conducive learning environment for the learners. The learning centre will also serve as a hub for networking, collaboration, and innovation among the learners and other stakeholders in the community.

To implement the curriculum through a blended learning approach that combines face-to-face sessions, online platforms, field visits, project-based learning, and peer-to-peer learning. The curriculum will cover various topics such as innovation, controversy, hybridisation, stabilisation, ethics, politics, sustainability, resilience, etc. in relation to science and technology.

To monitor and evaluate the impact of the curriculum on the learners’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviours, and outcomes in science and technology. The evaluation will use both quantitative and qualitative methods to measure the learners’ progress, achievements, challenges, feedback, satisfaction, etc.

To disseminate the results and lessons learned from the curriculum to the wider community and beyond, using various media such as social media, newsletters, blogs, podcasts, videos, etc. The dissemination will aim to raise awareness, share best practices, inspire others, and create opportunities for further collaboration and scaling up.

The main budget of the proposal is estimated as follows:

Item	Description	Quantity	Unit Cost	Total Cost
Needs assessment and stakeholder analysis	Surveys, interviews, focus groups, workshops with community members and stakeholders	1	R50 000	R50 000
Curriculum and learning materials development	Content development, graphic design, printing/copying of manuals, guides, handouts etc.	1	R100 000	R100 000
Facilitators/ mentors/ coaches recruitment and training	Advertising, screening, selection, orientation/ training of facilitators/ mentors/ coaches	10	R10 000	R100 000
Learning centre establishment	Rental/ lease of premises (including utilities), furniture/ equipment (tables/ chairs/ desks/ computers/ projectors/ screens etc.), internet access/ subscriptions etc.	1	R50 000 per month x 12 months	R600 000
Curriculum implementation	Facilitation fees/travel expenses/ stipends for facilitators/ mentors/ coaches; learner fees/ travel expenses/ stipends for learners; field visit costs (transport/ accommodation/ entrance fees etc.); online platform costs (hosting/ maintenance/ subscriptions etc.)	100 learners x 12 months	R2 000 per learner per month	R2 400 000
Monitoring and evaluation	Data collection tools (questionnaires/ tests/ observation forms etc.), data analysis software/ licenses; data entry/ cleaning/ validation; report writing/ publication/ printing etc.	1	R100 000	R100 000
Dissemination	Social media accounts/ pages/ groups; newsletters/ blogs/ podcasts/ videos production/ distribution; media coverage/ advertising etc.	1	R50 000 per month x 12 months	R600 000
Total				R3 950 000

The main logistics setup for Mitchells Plain would include:

Identifying a suitable location for the learning centre that is accessible, safe, spacious, and affordable for the target audience.

Securing the necessary permits/ licenses/ approvals from the relevant authorities for the establishment and operation of the learning centre.
Procuring/ sourcing/ donating the required furniture/ equipment/ resources for the learning centre.
Recruiting/ selecting/ orienting/ training the facilitators/ mentors/ coaches who will deliver the curriculum.
Enrolling/ registering/ orienting/ assessing the learners who will participate in the curriculum.
Scheduling/ timetabling/ communicating the face-to-face sessions/ online sessions/ field visits/ project work/ peer-to-peer learning activities for the curriculum.
Coordinating/arranging/managing the transport/accommodation/entrance fees etc. for the field visits.
Monitoring/ supervising/ supporting/ evaluating the facilitators/ mentors/ coaches and the learners throughout the curriculum.
Collecting/ analysing/ reporting the data and feedback from the curriculum.
Producing/ distributing/ promoting the media and materials for the dissemination of the results and lessons learned from the curriculum.

Future Format

Title Page
- The title of the project.
- The name and affiliation of the proposer.
- The name and affiliation of the funder.
- The date of submission.
Summary
- A brief overview of the project, including its objectives, methods, and outcomes.
- A statement of why the project is important and relevant to the funder’s goals and interests.
Introduction
- A background information on the topic and context of the project.
- A clear definition of the problem or gap that the project aims to address.
- A justification of why the problem or gap is significant and worth solving.
Problem Statement
- A detailed description of the problem or gap that the project aims to address.
- A review of the existing literature and research on the topic.
- A identification of the limitations and gaps in the current knowledge and practice.
Solution
- A detailed description of the proposed solution or approach to address the problem or gap.
- An explanation of how the solution or approach is novel, feasible, and effective..
- A presentation of the expected costs and benefits of the solution or approach.
Conclusion
- A summary of the main points and arguments of the proposal.
- A restatement of why the project is important and relevant to the funder’s goals and interests.
- A call to action for the funder to support or approve the project.

2. ANT Projects for Research

https://antman104.wordpress.com/applications-seminars-or-comics-that-i-would-have-loved-to-develop-for-actor-network-theory-researchers/