Citizen Science (ePub)

Citizen science, the active participation of the public in scientific research projects, is a rapidly expanding field in open science and open innovation. It provides an integrated model of public knowledge production and engagement with science. As a growing worldwide phenomenon, it is invigorated by evolving new technologies that connect people easily and effectively with the scientific community. Catalysed by citizens' wishes to be actively involved in scientific processes, as a result of recent societal trends, it also offers contributions to the rise in tertiary education. In addition, citizen science provides a valuable tool for citizens to play a more active role in sustainable development.

This book identifies and explains the role of citizen science within innovation in science and society, and as a vibrant and productive science-policy interface. The scope of this volume is global, geared towards identifying solutions and lessons to be applied across science, practice and policy. The chapters consider the role of citizen science in the context of the wider agenda of open science and open innovation, and discuss progress towards responsible research and innovation, two of the most critical aspects of science today.

Praise for Citizen Science
'The authors effectively evaluate innovations in technology, participation, education, and policy focused on expanding the impact of citizen science. The writers' theory of learning is especially useful ... A significant achievement of the book is its recommendation to democratize citizen science ... [The] emphasis on "education of attention" [is] particularly enlightening.'
Discover Magazine

'An important contribution to literature about citizen science. The authors effectively evaluate innovations in technology, participation, education, and policy focused on expanding the impact of citizen science. The writers' theory of learning is especially useful; they describe educational techniques to enhance and improve project participation and the participant experience. ... A significant achievement... is its recommendation to democratize citizen science.'
PLOS Blogs
'If you want to understand what citizen science is, how it has already demonstrated the value in mobilising large groups of citizen scientist in doing research and solving challenges and how we can build on this potential in the future, this is a great place to start.'
Nesta Blog

'if you are a professional researcher who wants to learn more about how to get started with designing your citizen science project, this is a good place to start.'
Generation R