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News from the DITOs Project
The European network of BioBlitz organisers established this year among ECSA members and non-members is expanding at a fast pace in numbers and strength!
The first task to develop a policy brief has been accomplished. The policy brief “BioBlitzes: Promoting cross border Research and collaborative Practices for Biodiversity Conservation” has been part of a collaborative process bringing together organisers of such activities from around the world. The purpose of the policy brief is to synthesise evidence from the BioBlitz approach, to highlight valuable contributions of BioBlitzes to public engagement, the scientific process, and environmental management and policy, and to explore how these potentials of the BioBlitz methodology can be enhanced by increasing cross-boundary cooperation and exchanges. Within the framework of the Horizon 2020 Doing It Together Science (DITOs) project, the policy brief is a deliverable of the work concerning policy engagement for Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI).
The policy brief has been recently launched and is available in our website, check out our blog.
ECSA is now organising in collaboration with members of the BioBlitz Task & finish group the capacity building workshop for BioBlitz organisers “Advancing BioBlitzes to bring people and biodiversity together”. The event will take place on Wednesday 22nd November 2017 at Sapienza University of Rome (Italy) in occasion of the First Italian Citizen Science Conference (23rd – 25th November) and is organised with support from DITOs. There will be a series of talks and breakout groups within two sessions: 1) Approaches to BioBlitzes and 2) How to mobilise data for science and policy making to reflect on best practices.
Participants will reflect on best practices, discuss challenges and opportunities, and compare the different approaches adopted for organising a BioBlitz, aiming to contribute to the development of the BioBlitz event format in Europe. Participation in this 1-day workshop is recommended for people with experience in BioBlitz organisation.
To find further information on the workshop, updated agenda and registration form please visit the webpage of the event.
For any question regarding the BioBlitz Task & Finish group and the upcoming activities and events please contact Gaia Agnello.
Follow @TogetherSci on Twitter
Follow DITOs YouTube Channel
Sign up for the newsletter
And contact Gaia Agnello or Claudia Göbel if you have any questions or suggestions for the project!!
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News from the LandSense Project
LandSense newsletter launched!
The first issue from the LandSense project’s newsletter was launched on the 14th of September. There you can learn more about this Horizon 2020-funded project, of which ECSA is a partner and that aims at uncovering the collective potential of citizen science and Earth Observation data to improve the way people see, map, and understand the world. You can also explore the LandSense themes (urban landscape dynamics, agricultural land use, forest and habitat monitoring), read the most recent project news and stay updated on upcoming events. Head over to the LandSense website for more information and to subscribe to the newsletter (bottom-right of the webpage).
LandSense Project First Annual Meeting
The consortium members of the LandSense project will meet in early October to review the progress of the project over the past year, and make plans for the upcoming year. The aim of this workshop is to detail the technical plans and citizen engagement activities for the upcoming pilot studies across Europe.
The pilots include:
- Monitoring urban green spaces, in collaboration with TU Vienna and UBA, to facilitate improved urban planning for the city’s STEP 2025 plan
- Detecting and validating changes in land cover to support data needs of IGN, the French mapping agency
- Promoting a series of mapathons with the OpenStreetMap community to update and validate changes in land use maps in peri-urban area
- Collaborating with INOSENS to showcase the power of satellite data to deliver value-added services to farmers in the agricultural sector
- Triggering the BirdLife International volunteer network to help monitor protected areas for potential threats (i.e. anthropogenic, biological, climactic, etc.) to biodiversity
The workshop will be organized into plenary and breakout sessions to maximize overall partner engagement. In addition, the invited LandSense Expert Advisory Board will contribute to an open panel discussion.
New blog post on LandSense report at ECSA website
At the ECSA website you can now read a new blog post on the work developed to assess user requirements, barriers and engagement strategies for the LandSense Citizen Observatory. We present a summary of the developed approach and provide a link to the resulting report, which was the project’s first public deliverable.
Click here to read on!
Follow LandSense Facebook page
Follow @LandSense on Twitter
Sign up for the newsletter
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Save the Date for the 2nd International ECSA Conference (3-5 June 2018, Geneva)
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The International ECSA Citizen Science Conference is aimed at scientists, practitioners, activists, funders, policy makers in the field of citizen science, non-governmental organizations, artists, and interested citizens. Discussion topics at the conference will include the role that citizen science can play for grass root organizations, for empowering individual citizens and for increasing scientific literacy. The conference website as well as calls for contributions will be launched in November.
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News from the COST Action
Cost Action: "Citizen Science to promote creativity, scientific literacy, and innovation throughout Europe"
Citizen Science and Open Data: a model for Invasive Alien Species in Europe
Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are a growing threat to Europe’s biodiversity. A JRC-COST joint workshop held on 8 February 2017 focused on strategies for collecting and sharing data gathered by citizens, with the aim to support a European early warning and rapid information system. Specifically, the workshop focused on:
• Identifying methods to recognise citizens as stakeholders in policy making, especially how to use currently available data from citizens in environmental policy.
• Identifying best practice for engaging citizens in collecting and sharing data.
• Identifying the technical constraints and solutions for data sharing, management and communication to the relevant authorities.
Read the workshop report here.
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New Citizen Science Project to Monitor Crab Species in Europe
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Crab Watch is a new citizen science initiative in Europe developed as part of the Sea Change Project. Anyone finding a crab on the shore for the first time will experience a sense of excitement and wonder – and maybe a bit of fear if it is a particularly large one! Crab Watch aims to harness this enthusiasm to raise awareness and enhance our knowledge of the changing distribution of native and non-native crabs, and thus inform environmental management.
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Additionally, by getting people to become Crab Watchers, visit their coastline and interact with marine creatures in a meaningful way, Sea Change hopes to encourage people to think positively about the ocean and to become advocates for healthy seas and a healthy planet.
It could not be easier to participate and there is something for all: suitable for all tides and coasts, people with different levels of interest and geographical areas. To download everything you need to become a Crab Watcher, including the Crab Watch App, visit the Sea Change website. Resources are available in a number of languages.
Contact crabwatch@mba.ac.uk if you would like more information on how to organise your own Crab Watch survey event.
Share with us your pictures on twitter @SeaChange_EU using #CrabWatch.
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Call for Collaboration with the AstroPlant Citizen Science project
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AstroPlant: Citizen Science for growing plants in space!
AstroPlant is an educational citizen science project with the European Space Agency to engage a new generation of space farmers, collect data and ideas for agriculture on Mars, develop open source research equipment, and create awareness of regenerative and closed-loop life support systems.
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We have built a prototype open source plant lab that collects and shares open data about plant growth in different grow environments and are working towards building an educational and citizen science infrastructure to allow (young) explorers to contribute to science and space exploration and to get to know more about topics such as plant science and biology, space science, engineering, electronics, open innovation and the circular economy.
We are seeking partners to form a consortium and apply for relevant funds to build this scientific and educational framework and infrastructure. We are open for collaboration with academic as well as commercial partners in the areas of education, citizen science, engineering, space, plant science, horticulture, and other related areas.
Please contact mission commander Thieme Hennis.
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Over 11,000 Swedish pupils in Citizen Science project on Source Criticism
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Fake news is a topic that is currently generating much debate. But what kind of news is streaming through young people’s digital news feeds? And how trustworthy do young people think this news is? For the first time, researchers and pupils from across Sweden are together investigating these questions in a citizen science project being run as part of the 2017 Researchers’ Night in Sweden. Further information is available here.
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Call for Comments on Citizen Science Project Criteria
for the Austrian Citizen Science Network
"Österreich forscht", the Austrian citizen science platform, is preparing a new stage of quality in citizen science. Currently citizen science is a buzzword and new projects and initiatives pop up all around Europe, and we are very happy to be part of this big movement. However, we also noticed that some projects may call themselves citizen science, but don't fulfil minimum standards you would apply for a scientific project or a citizen science project.
Because of this "Österreich forscht" has installed a working group consisting of citizen science project leaders and scientists doing research on citizen science to set up quality criteria for citizen science projects on our platform. These criteria have to be fullfilled by each project if the project leader wants to list it on Austria's biggest citizen science platform.
Since it is very important to also hear the voice of the citizens, we invite interested persons to share their opinion on the criteria that we worked on so far, by commenting these on "Österreich forscht". The commenting is very easy and straight forward, so we hope to get a lot of feedback we can incorporate in this ongoing process. The final criteria catalogue will be presented during the Austrian Citizen Science Conference 2018 in Salzburg.
If you want to find out more on this process check out the following links:
General information on the working group (in German)
Link to the criteria (in German)
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Citizen Science Publications
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Paper published in Nature Conservation:
Analyses of occurrence data of protected insect species collected by citizens in Italy (Campanaro et al., 2017)
The collaboration amongst scientists, public administrations and citizens in the context of Life Project “Monitoring Insects with Public Participation” has produced important information on the geographical distribution, biology and ecology of protected species of beetles and butterflies in Italy. In the paper just published in the journal Nature Conservation the different strategies adopted to engage people in the project MIPP are described, the results of participation by volunteers are analysed and the results obtained to upgrade the knowledge of the altitudinal distribution and the phenology of the target species are discussed.The work was made possible with the collaboration of almost 700 citizens that delivered to the MIPP database more than 2,300 records of presence of insect species in the period 2014-2016.
Downwload the paper here.
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Open Access Book published:
Mapping and the Citizen Sensor (Foody, G. et al., 2017)
Maps are a fundamental resource in a diverse array of applications ranging from everyday activities, such as route planning through the legal demarcation of space to scientific studies, such as those seeking to understand biodiversity and inform the design of nature reserves for species conservation.
This book reports on some of the key issues connected with the use of citizen sensors in mapping. It arises from a European Co-operation in Science and Technology (COST) Action, which explored issues linked to topics ranging from citizen motivation, data acquisition, data quality and the use of citizen derived data in the production of maps that rival, and sometimes surpass, maps arising from authoritative agencies.
Download the book here.
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The Challenge of Evaluation: An Open Framework for Evaluating Citizen Science Activities (Kieslinger. et al., 2017)
In today’s knowledge-based society we are experiencing a rise in citizen science activities. Citizen science goals include enhancing scientific knowledge generation, contributing to societally relevant questions, fostering scientific literacy in society and transforming science communication. These aims, however, are rarely evaluated, and project managers as well as prospective funders are often at a loss when it comes to assessing and reviewing the quality and impact of citizen science activities. To ensure and improve the quality of citizen science outcomes evaluation methods are required for planning, self-evaluation and training development as well as for informing funding reviews and impact assessments. Here, based on an in-depth review of the characteristics and diversity of citizen science activities and current evaluation practices, we develop an open framework for evaluating diverse citizen science activities, ranging from projects initiated by grassroots initiatives to those led by academic scientists. The framework incorporates the social, the scientific and the socio-ecological/economic perspectives of citizen science and thus offers a comprehensive collection of indicators at a glance. Indicators on a process- and impact-level can be selected and prioritized from all three perspectives, according to the specific contexts and targets. The framework guides and fosters the critical assessment and enhancement of citizen science projects against these goals both for external funding reviews as well as for internal project development.
Download the paper here.
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Position Paper on Marine Citizen Science:
Advancing Citizen Science for Coastal and Ocean Research
(Garcia-Soto, C. et al., 2017)
This position paper is the output of a Working Group convened by the European Marine Board. It introduces the concept and rationale of Citizen Science, in particular regarding its relationship to marine research. The paper then explores European experiences of Marine Citizen Science, presenting common factors of success for European initiatives as examples of good practice. The types of data amenable to Citizen Science are outlined, along with concerns and measures relating to ensuring the scientific quality of those data. The paper further explores the social aspects of participation in Marine Citizen Science, outlining the societal benefits in terms of impact and education. The current and potential future role of technology in Marine Citizen Science projects is also addressed including, the relationship between citizens and earth observations, and the relevance of progress in the area of unmanned observing systems. The paper finally presents proposals for the improved integration and management of Marine Citizen Science on a European scale. This leads to a detailed discussion on Marine Citizen Science informing Marine Policy, taking into account the requirements of the Aarhus Convention as well as the myriad of EU marine and environmental policies.
The paper concludes with the presentation of eight Strategic Action Areas for Marine Citizen Science in Europe. These action areas, which are aimed not only at the marine research community, but also at scientists from multiple disciplines (including non-marine), higher education institutions, funding bodies and policy makers, should together enable coherent future Europe-wide application of Marine Citizen Science for the benefit of all.
Downloaded the position paper here.
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Report on Citizen Science in France
The main objectives of the Citizen science in France report (published in 2016) are to produce and interpret data that is as objective as possible to characterise the reach of citizen science around the world and the specific needs to further its development. The report also aims to gather and analyse input from experts and research stakeholders in France to estimate the opportunities and necessary investments to provide general recommendations and tangible proposals for projects or, more broadly, for institutions.
To address these challenges, the report is divided into three separate “handbooks”:
- A situational analysis to characterise the field of citizen science from its early days through today (roots, typologies, changes, remarkable projects) and to understand the successes, risks, expectations and challenges raised by those involved.
- Good practices for project leaders and involved stakeholders: methodological suggestions and tools.
- Recommendations for institutions, organisations and decision-makers to foster a policy to develop and support citizen science.
Download the report (in French with a synthesis in English)
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A Quest: Citizen Science in the Geo-Sciences?
At the EGU General Assembly (Vienna) in April 2017 my contribution "Citizen-science, Geoethics and Human Niche" concluded that geo-sciences should strengthen their citizen science activities. I would like to prepare an updated view for the EGU General Assembly 2018.
Therefore, I am seeking information about citizen science projects / activities in geo-sciences; beyond geography. Please help me to find these projects and activities:
E-mail Martin Bohle
Please find more details here and here.
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ISCSMD 2017
ISCSMD is an annual event established in 2016 to commemorate the World Science Day for Peace and Development. It is a collaborative effort among the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the world’s science centers and museums, and their networks across the globe.
The aims of the event are to establish awareness around the 17 SDGs and engage communities across the world in an effort to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as well as to celebrate science centers and science museum as well as STEAM learning.
Organizations around the world can participate by offering activities that support the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the world’s nations in late 2015. In the lead up to the event there are a series of webinars taking place to guide your preparation. More information on these can be found here.
We also encourage you to visit a participating science center or science museum and take part in an activity. You can also share your visit on social media using the hash tag #ISCSMD.
Visit the ISCSMD website to learn more.
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International Conference on the Citizen Sciences and Fab Labs
12-13 December 2017
Calls for Contributions are still open
The 2nd Annual International Conference on Participatory Research, Citizen Sciences and Fab Labs for Peace and Development takes place on 12 and 13 December 2017 at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
The event is organized by Objectif Sciences International, in partnership with ECSA.
Calls for contributions are still open. Further information on the programme and registration is available here.
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FoTRRIS Final Conference
Launched in 2014, the Horizon 2020 project "Fostering Transition towards Responsible Research and Innovation" (FoTRRIS) project is at its final stage. The core idea of the project is to propose efficient and effective methods for researchers, citizens, businesses and policy-makers to solve ‘glocal’ challenges in a CO-RRI way.
Amongst the project’s achievements is a FoTRRIS Platform for co-creation of RRI Project ideas. The platform is available in 6 languages, and is a co-RRI web based platform that has several functions: provides utilities and services to support co-creation of RRI project ideas, supports facilitation of co-creation process among different group of stakeholders, engages the broader audience to contribute their knowledge and disseminate these ideas to wider public.
Information about project results, lessons learnt on local and EU level, methods and tools used for co-creation and on how to implement competence cells in other regions will be disseminated during the FoTRRIS Final Conference.
Further information on the conference is available here.
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Italian Citizen Science Conference
National Research Council (CNR)
23 - 25 November, 2017
The First Italian Citizen Science Conference will assess the state of the art of Citizen Science, which is well established in many European countries, with special emphasis on environmental sciences. It will create the opportunity to meet, exchange and debate ideas, methodologies problems and perspectives, in a European context.
The Conference is open to researchers, but also to science journalists, administrators, school teachers and to wildlife associations operative in Italy.
The Conference is organized by the Italian National Academy of Sciences with the support of the Italian National Research Council (CNR) in the framework of the LifeWatch-ITA program, in partnership with the Italian Association of Scientific Museums, Maremma Natural History Museum, European Citizen Science Association, LTER-Italy and CSMON Life, with the High Patronage of the Presidency of the Italian Republic.
On the occasion of the Conference, Rome will host two other events. On November 22nd, the Capacity Building Workshop for Bioblitz, organized by ECSA (details above). On November 25th, the Museo Civico di Zoologia will host the workshop of the European Ecopotential Team on Citizen Science issues in protected areas.
For registration and further information on the Conference please visit the web site or contact the Conference Secretariat
We are looking forward to seeing you in Rome!
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Resourcing Future Generations Conference
Vancouver, 16-21 June 2018
The Call for Abstracts is Open
The conference “Resourcing Future Generations” will bring together scientists and practitioners of applied geo-sciences for a conference on Energy, Minerals, Water, the Earth.
Citizen Science is one of the subjects of the session “Geoethics in geoscience education, communication and citizen science: experiences, approaches, and concepts” that is organised by the International Association for Promoting Geoethics (IAPG) and the Geological Society of London (GSL) under the Theme "Resources and Society”.
The call for contributions is now open!
Further information on the session and abstract submission is available on the conference website.
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Submit your Abstracts by 10 october
The aim of CitSciOz18 is to showcase best practice citizen science and share project outcomes from across Australia and the world. Anyone involved in citizen science is welcome to join in – it’s an opportunity to share your experiences, insights, questions and ideas. We particularly welcome input from keen participants in citizen science!
Further information is available on the conference website.
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