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10 principles of citizen science

Petrina Darrah

Posted: April 28, 2023

Citizen science is a rapidly growing field that is changing the way we think about scientific research. The term refers to the involvement of non-professional scientists, or “citizen scientists,” in scientific projects. Citizen science has become increasingly popular in recent years, as advances in technology have made it easier for people to contribute to scientific research from their homes, communities, and even while travelling abroad. In this article, we will explore the 10 principles of citizen science.

Principle 1: Inclusion

The first principle of citizen science is inclusion, which refers to the importance of engaging a diverse group of people in scientific research. In order to ensure that citizen science projects are inclusive, it is important to consider factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. This can be achieved by using a variety of recruitment strategies, such as partnering with community organisations or advertising in multiple languages.

GVI’s wildlife conservation programs in Costa Rica are examples of projects that are designed to be inclusive. These programs attract participants from around the world, and offer opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to contribute to important conservation research.

Principle 2: Accessibility

The second principle of citizen science is accessibility, which refers to the need for citizen science projects to be accessible to everyone. This includes making projects available online, as well as ensuring that they are physically accessible to individuals with disabilities. Additionally, citizen science projects should be designed with the needs and preferences of participants in mind, such as offering flexible schedules and allowing participants to choose the type of work they want to do.

Principle 3: Scientific Rigour

The third principle of citizen science is scientific rigour, which refers to the importance of maintaining high scientific standards in citizen science projects. This includes using reliable and valid research methods, ensuring that data is collected accurately, and conducting rigorous data analysis.

Principle 4: Data Quality

The fourth principle of citizen science is data quality, which refers to the importance of collecting high-quality data in citizen science projects. This includes ensuring that data is collected consistently and accurately, and that it is stored in a secure and accessible way.

Principle 5: Transparency

The fifth principle of citizen science is transparency, which refers to the need for citizen science projects to be transparent and open to scrutiny. This includes making data and research findings available to the public, and providing opportunities for community members to engage with and participate in the research process.

GVI’s citizen science conservation program in Thailand is an example of a project that emphasises transparency. The program works closely with local communities to involve them in the conservation process, and provides regular updates on research findings and conservation efforts.

Principle 6: Sustainability

The sixth principle of citizen science is sustainability, which refers to the importance of ensuring that citizen science projects are environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable. This includes using sustainable research practices, promoting environmental conservation, and supporting local economies.

Principle 7: Collaboration

The seventh principle of citizen science is collaboration, which refers to the value of working together with other individuals and organisations to achieve common goals. Collaboration can lead to more effective research outcomes, as well as greater public engagement and awareness.

GVI’s wildlife conservation program in Thailand is an example of a project that emphasises collaboration. The program works with local government agencies, NGOs, and community members to protect the wildlife in Thailand’s national parks, and to promote sustainable tourism.

Principle 8: Education

The eighth principle of citizen science is education, which refers to the importance of educating participants and the public about the scientific research process, as well as the scientific concepts and findings that emerge from citizen science projects. Education can help to increase public awareness and engagement, as well as to build the skills and knowledge of citizen scientists themselves.

Principle 9: Community Building

The ninth principle of citizen science is community building, which refers to the importance of building a strong community around citizen science projects. Community building can help to promote engagement, trust, and collaboration among participants and stakeholders, and to foster a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for the research outcomes.

Principle 10: Impact

The tenth principle of citizen science is impact, which refers to the importance of measuring the impact of citizen science projects on scientific research, as well as on the individuals and communities involved. Measuring impact can help to identify areas for improvement, as well as to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of citizen science projects to funders and stakeholders.

Citizen science is a valuable and rapidly growing field that has the potential to revolutionise scientific research. By following the 10 principles of citizen science, citizen science projects can become more inclusive, accessible, rigorous, and impactful, while also promoting community building, sustainability, and collaboration. GVI’s various volunteer programs around the world demonstrate how these principles can be put into practice, while also highlighting the importance of citizen science in promoting scientific research and community development.

By Petrina Darrah

Petrina Darrah is a freelance writer from New Zealand with a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainable travel. She has been writing about travel for more than five years and her work has appeared in print and digital publications including National Geographic Travel, Conde Nast Travel, Business Insider, Atlas Obscura and more. You can see more of her work at petrinadarrah.com.

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