Difference between revisions of "Citizen science"

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==Relation to UrbanA themes: Cities, sustainability, and justice==
==Relation to UrbanA themes: Cities, sustainability, and justice==
Citizen science increases participation in the scientific process, knowledge creation and dissemination. Citizen science addresses two central elements of the social good model—environmental justice and inclusion with particular attention to diversity in age, gender, race/ethnicity, and social class in addressing environmental injustice that is more prevalent in underrepresented communities. <ref>https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1049731519890404</ref> Depending on the exact methodology, citizen science can include voices and people who would not be heard using other methodologies. Furthermore, it can bring the results directly to the community impacted and implicated in the research, shortening the timeline between problem identification, solution finding, and interventions. This has implications for environmental and social justice, and the relationship between the two, within cities.


==Narrative of change==
==Narrative of change==

Revision as of 10:55, 1 April 2020

Citizen science is the involvement of the public in scientific research – whether community-driven research or global investigations.[1]

Everyone is cordially invited to contribute to this wiki page by writing their perspectives and examples about the given topic. This page is a part of UrbanA wiki which is an ongoing, open-ended online collaborative database and knowledge source for city-makers to tackle unsustainability and injustice in cities. Check out the User guide to find out more about how to contribute, including links to tips on formatting and editing wiki pages.

General introduction to approach

Citizen science is research conducted entirely or in part by members of the general public, usually on a volunteer basis. It is related to "participatory science" and "public participation in scientific research." Citizen scientists, amateur scientists, collect and analyse data [1]. Sometimes they collaborate with academic or professional scientists and sometimes they act alone.

Citizen scientists help expand the range and opportunities for data collection and provide community members with more direct access to information. The process helps foster relationships between professional researchers and the general public, inspires curiosity and greater understanding of science, and can make research projects more relevant and applicable to daily life.[2]

Shapes, sizes and applications

Relation to UrbanA themes: Cities, sustainability, and justice

Citizen science increases participation in the scientific process, knowledge creation and dissemination. Citizen science addresses two central elements of the social good model—environmental justice and inclusion with particular attention to diversity in age, gender, race/ethnicity, and social class in addressing environmental injustice that is more prevalent in underrepresented communities. [3] Depending on the exact methodology, citizen science can include voices and people who would not be heard using other methodologies. Furthermore, it can bring the results directly to the community impacted and implicated in the research, shortening the timeline between problem identification, solution finding, and interventions. This has implications for environmental and social justice, and the relationship between the two, within cities.

Narrative of change

Citizen science is research inspired by a desire for change. It expands the scientific model of the 20th century that relegated science to academics and their institutions. The process directly responds to citizens' concerns and can take into consideration their perspectives and expertise. By identifying citizens as scientists, not solely participants, they are empowered to actively contribute to knowledge creation and promotion. Through the process and results local networks can be strengthened and valuable relationship created, which will have long-term benefits for the community.

Transformative potential

Illustration

Suggested reading

References