Citizen Science: Introduction

Citizen science can be described as the voluntary participation of non-professional scientists in research and innovation at different stages of the process and at different levels of engagement, from shaping research agendas and policies, to gathering, processing and analysing data, and assessing the outcomes of research. (European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, 2020)

Citizen Science encompasses a wide variety of activities and practices that recognises non-professionals as valued and empowered actors in advancing knowledge, research and innovation. (UCD’s publication Engage your Research : An Introductory Guide to Engaging & Involving the Public in Research)

Citizen science broadly refers to the active engagement of the general public in scientific research tasks. Citizen science is a growing practice in which scientists and citizens collaborate to produce new knowledge for science and society. (The Science of Citizen Science)

Citizen science projects actively involve citizens in scientific endeavour that generates new knowledge or understanding. Citizens may act as contributors, collaborators, or as project leader and have a meaningful role in the project. ECSA (European Citizen Science Association). 2015. Ten Principles of Citizen Science. Berlin.

Citizen science is a global movement where individuals, family members, friends, community groups, or anyone does science to address real-world questions. (SciStarter)

REGISTER HERE

Wicklow's Upland Streams :

Citizen scientists share their experience measuring water quality in Wicklow’s streams

Friday 22nd of November 2024

12 noon - 1:00 pm  in Library Link3, James Joyce Library, UCD, Belfield and Online via Zoom 

Join us for an enlightening presentation on the use of stream macroinvertebrates as indicators of water quality. Prof Mary Kelly-Quinn, from the UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, will give a brief overview of the project before introducing three members of the 'River Detectives' group who will explain the role of these organisms in assessing stream water quality in Wicklow. 

Macroinvertebrates include insect larvae as well as crustaceans, snails and worms. The 'River Detectives', have been active in 2024 surveying almost 50 stream sites in the Wicklow Mountains. They’ll share their results from fieldwork, and offer firsthand insights from their experience as citizen scientists. Don't miss this great opportunity to learn more about community involvement in scientific research and its impact on the environment!

All welcome to attend - this event is open to the general public!

This is a UCD Citizen Science Community of Practice Event

UCD’s publication Engage your Research : An Introductory Guide to Engaging & Involving the Public in Research states:

“Citizen Science encompasses a wide variety of activities and practices that recognises non-professionals as valued and empowered actors in advancing knowledge, research and innovation.”

In these two events the iChange project is keen to get your feedback and perspectives to help deepen their understanding of what makes people change their behaviour toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Everyone is welcome to attend these events as a wide perspective is being sought even if you have no prior knowledge of the topic or the I-CHANGE living labs.

Life in a Changing Climate:

how Citizen Science helps us understand environmental changes and risk

REGISTER HERE for this online event

Monday 16th of September 13:00 - 15:30 pm (IST) 

During the past few years, the EU-funded project, I-CHANGE, has facilitated eight living labs in- and outside the EU. We've done so to work with citizen science to deepen our understanding of environmental monitoring, and strengthening the climate perception of all citizens.

In this interactive digital event, we will be discussing our learnings and ask you to reflect upon them with us:

• What's the value of citizen science compared to regular environmental monitoring?
• Are there environmental areas, where we should advocate for a stronger connection between citizens and science?
• Does citizen science have any limitations? 

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Changing Habits in a Changing Climate:
Discussing theories of change and understanding the role of Citizen Science in breaking societal patterns

REGISTER HERE for this online event

Tuesday 17th of September 13:00 - 15:30 pm (IST) 

During the past few years, the EU-funded project, I-CHANGE, has facilitated eight living labs in- and outside the EU. We've done so to work with citizen science to deepen our understanding of environmental monitoring, and strengthening the climate perception of all citizens.

In this interactive digital event, we will be discussing our learnings and ask you to reflect upon them with us:

• Does knowledge change behaviour?
• How do we make for a more just transition?
• What are alternative ways of understanding and creating change?

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Please feel free to share these events with your networks

Shared on behalf of Francesco Pilla 

Citizen Science, or the participation of the general public in the scientific research process, is an important element in establishing new links between science and society. It is thus essential to implementing Open Science, can contribute to innovation tailored to the needs of society, lead to reciprocal learning and foster a scientific culture across society as a whole.

From: The LIBER Roadmap to Open Science (LIBER is the Association of European Research Libraries)