Citizen Science
Asking questions, exploring the world, and conducting research as a team – in “Citizen Science,” citizens actively participate in research projects and, together with full-time researchers, generate new knowledge. Participation can range from short-term data collection to intensive, long-term engagement aimed at delving deeply into a research topic. The European Citizen Science Association (ECSA) defines Citizen Science as "the participation of the public in science and research. It is an open and inclusive approach, with key characteristics including:
- citizens are actively involved in research; and
- there is a genuine science outcome, such as new scientific knowledge, conservation action or policy change."
Democratization of science
Citizen Science is based on the principle that anyone interested can contribute to scientific research, regardless of age, education, or professional background. Citizens – also known as citizen scientists – bring valuable experiential knowledge and new perspectives to research and make an important contribution through their involvement. In return, they gain insights into research processes and, depending on the project, can acquire new skills, exchange ideas with like-minded people, or learn more about a topic that is close to their hearts.
How participatory research succeeds
For science to be participatory, the research process needs to be designed in a manner that allows for people to participate in every stage of the process if they so choose. They should be involved from the very beginning and given the opportunity to engage in one or more phases of the research project. This does not mean that all citizens need to engage in the same tasks and have the same competencies. All participants should be able to contribute their expertise, skills, and knowledge in different and optimal ways.
Types of collaboration
Citizen Science projects can be broadly divided into three categories. These categories are based on the extent to which citizens are involved in the individual phases of a research project:
- Contributory projects – These projects are planned and developed by academic researchers. Citizens can mainly contribute by providing data or analyzing data.
- Collaborative projects – These projects are planned and developed by academic researchers, with citizens having a say in how data is collected or analyzed. Beyond data collection or analysis, citizens also help disseminate the results.
- Co-created projects – These projects are developed and implemented by academic researchers in collaboration with citizens. At least some citizens are actively involved in most or all aspects of the research process, including the formulation of a research question, the interpretation of data or drawing conclusions, as well as the discussion and publication of results.
Frequently asked questions about Citizen Science
Who can participate in Citizen Science projects? Is prior scientific knowledge required? And what can be achieved through Citizen Science? We answer the most frequently asked questions you might have about Citizen Science.
Guidelines & Templates
There are numerous excellent scientific papers on Citizen Science and practical guidelines for participatory methods. We have curated a collection of resources that we find particularly useful, and we have developed helpful templates that we are making available free of charge.
Citizen Science in schools
Citizen Science in the classroom has great potential. Citizen Science can enable students to experience research not just as abstract knowledge, but as a hands-on practice: developing questions, collecting data, verifying sources, interpreting results, negotiating perspectives, and reflecting together on the impact knowledge can have on the world.
This page is still under construction; a link will follow.
Citizen Science in museums
Museums play a very special role in Citizen Science. They are places where people with an interest in a particular topic come together and where knowledge is shared. Museums are therefore uniquely suited to serve as interfaces and bridges between science and society.
This page is still under construction; a link will follow
