Citizen science can be applied in different ways. The European Citizen Science Association has developed ten principles that are fundamental to good citizen science. If you can meet these principles, citizen science is a logical choice for your research.
Setting up citizen science activities requires extra consideration because you will be working with - sometimes large groups of - non-scientists. By being aware of this in advance during preparation, you can take full advantage of the added value that citizen scientists offer.
Recruitment, platforms and communities
When starting a citizen science activity, you need participants and a way to exchange information with them. You can do this yourself - by email, for example - or you can make use of existing opportunities, such as platforms and communities.
- Zooniverse is a large platform where you can get volunteers to analyse images. Many disciplines are represented.
- iNaturalist is an international platform for nature observations.
- HackAIR is a European data and technology platform for citizen measurements of air quality.
- VeleHanden is a Dutch crowdsourcing platform for annotating or transcribing historical source material.
- Het Volk is a Dutch crowdsourcing platform especially suitable for smaller projects and annotating
- Just One Giant Lab is an international, online non-profit platform for open and collaborative research.
Does your research lend itself to recruiting participants at a location outside the university? Then seek collaboration with a (public) venue where intended participants can be expected or received. For example, Radboud University has a location in the centre of Nijmegen: 'de Latijnse School'. This place is suited as a representative space for your research on location. You are responsible for the set-up and execution of your research here.
- Citizen Science Nederland is the Dutch community for citizen science. You can also visit the website for guides and training.
- EU Citizen Science is a European platform with a large amount of information and training on citizen science.
Data management
Good (research) data management is always important in scientific research. When working with citizen scientists, you have to do with individuals from outside the university collecting and storing data. This requires a system that citizen scientists can work with safely and easily. In addition, it is important that the data be shared publicly after the research is completed wherever possible, and at a minimum remain accessible and usable by participants. Prepare in time for how you will address this by creating a data management plan.
Read all about creating a data management plan here
Privacy and ownership
By involving citizen scientists in your research, you always have to be aware of privacy considerations. Even if your research data does not contain personal data, you may be processing personal data from your citizen scientists. This gives participants the right to inspect and the right to delete, for instance. You have a duty to inform participants properly about this. Participating citizen scientists may also need to work with personal data and require training to do so.
Also note that participants may have ownership of the ideas, knowledge and/or data they generate. For example, are notes taken by hand or photographs taken? If so, then property rights apply. Do citizens collaborate on the research design? Then this is also intellectual property. Take this into account by making proper agreements: when archiving and publishing the data and when publishing the scientific work. For example, include participants as co-authors in the publication.
Read all about personal data in research here
Funding
Involving citizens may save money, but there are often additional costs involved. There are grants specifically for citizen science projects. When applying for general funding, you may have an advantage if you do so for a citizen science project.
Need help with a funding application? You can contact Grant Support.
Communication
Before the start of the research project, draw up a communication plan. Think about when, how and where you will communicate about the project with the participants. During the project, they are more likely to stay engaged if you keep them informed regularly and in an appealing way.
After the project, acknowledge the work of citizen scientists by keeping them informed about the outcomes and follow-up. Also consider acknowledging the participants in publications and other coverage.