Citizen Science
Citizen science is a collaborative process where members of the public actively contribute to scientific research, from data collection to problem-solving. Its main aim is to democratize science by involving communities in generating knowledge that is relevant, accessible, and impactful.
Citizen science empowers individuals, builds public trust in science, and strengthens the link between science and society. It can engage a wide range of communities, including students, local residents, NGOs, and underrepresented groups, making research more inclusive and socially grounded. This approach can be applied across diverse areas such as environmental monitoring, public health, cultural heritage, biodiversity, and urban planning.
However, citizen science also faces challenges, including ensuring data quality, sustaining long-term engagement, and addressing power imbalances between experts and participants. Our work focuses on designing citizen science processes that are inclusive, transparent, and aligned with policy goals to maximise their social and scientific impact.
