No project is an island|Bridges towards a joint legacy for the future of citizen science in Europe

Citizen science thrives on collaboration between researchers, policymakers, innovators, and the public. Yet within the citizen science community itself, a critical question remains: do we have the infrastructure to enable effective, lasting knowledge exchange across initiatives and projects? No project operates in isolation, and the collective learning generated across the field represents an underutilised asset for science and policymaking alike. At a time when public engagement is increasingly recognised as essential to rebuilding trust in institutions and tackling mis- and disinformation, the connections we build within the citizen science ecosystem matter more than ever. Sharing what works and what doesn't strengthens the community's capacity to deliver the scientific, environmental, and societal benefits that make citizen science a genuine return on investment for Europe. This summer, both the ECS and IMPETUS projects reach their conclusion. Before they do, we want to invite the citizen science community to come together to reflect on how these projects have supported citizen science across Europe and to celebrate the real-world impacts this work has made possible. The event will also provide an opportunity to hear from new and established citizen science projects, alongside stakeholders and decision-makers, ensuring that the momentum built can be sustained and that science continues to serve the society it represents. Building on the Citizen Science Archipelago series from the ECS project, this gathering reaffirms a founding principle of the citizen science community: no project is an island. Mutual exchange is not simply a nice-to-have; it is the foundation on which the continued growth and impact of citizen science depends.

A celebration of the ECS archipelago | Bringing citizen science to public libraries

As the European Citizen Science (ECS) project enters its final year, we are celebrating our achievements through a distributed series of events across Europe. Organised in collaboration with the Slovenian Citizen Science Network and Public Libraries, and as part of the ECS final event series, A celebration of the ECS archipelago, we are organising a day of collaboration and capacity building. This event focuses on the journey through the development of the ECS digital meeting point, the citizenscience.eu, showcases citizen science impact stories, delivers training on citizen science and highlights the importance of public libraries in creating community and enhancing scientific literacy. Attendance at the event is free, but as places are limited, participation is by invitation.

Strengthening Public Engagement in Research: Evidence, Impact, and Future Pathways

In collaboration with the IMPETUS and RIECS projects, ECS is organising a final policy event entitled "Strengthening Public Engagement in Research: Evidence, Impact, and Future Pathways" in Brussels. We will present engaging scenarios featuring real-life citizen science projects and share impact stories from European policymakers. These examples aim to highlight not only what has been achieved so far, but also the potential for even greater impact if support mechanisms for citizen science are strengthened. Following the presentations, there will be opportunities for networking and engaging with interactive elements over coffee and light refreshments. This event is primarily targeted at MEPs and European policymakers, but we may be able to open additional attendance spots depending on capacity. To register your interest, please contact Nadia at Nadia.Bates[at]mfn.berlin

ECSA's Aquatic Working Group webinar series

ECSA's Aquatic Working Group is launching a webinar series, with the first one coming on the 21st of May! The first webinar is titled "Creating a European Network of Citizen Science Projects on Freshwater Macroinvertebrates: Towards Comparison and Harmonization" - it will host a number of experts presenting their work from major European based projects focused on the topic. The listed projects are Riverfly Project (UK), CS Stream Index (CSSI) & (SSIS) (Ireland), RiuNet (Spain), and FLOW (Germany). Anyone interested can join us at the zoom link provided, and a recording of the webinar will be made available on ECSA's YouTube channel. See you soon and stay tuned for more!

Citizen Science Festival in Oulu

On 6 March 2026, from 17:00 – 20:00, the University of Oulu, the European Citizen Science (ECS) project and the European Citizen Science Association (ECSA), will host the Citizen Science Festival in Oulu’s Valkea shopping mall. This event, free of charge and open to the public, is organised as part of the ECSA2026 conference which takes place from 3-6 March 2026 and as part of the ECS final event series: A celebration of the ECS archipelago. The festival will be open to the public and designed to bring citizen science directly into the heart of Oulu and into the daily lives of its people. The festival is about sharing the joy and impact of citizen science initiatives with everyone.

ECSA2026 Conference: Citizen Science bridging Centre and Periphery

It is the 6th European Citizen Science Association (ECSA) conference. Be part of the most exciting citizen science event in Europe and explore the ECSA conference’s exciting new structure, aimed at encouraging inclusivity and broadening networks. Participate in discussions and collaborate with citizen science practitioners, researchers, activists, scientists, policymakers, artists, and more.

Layers of Values: Exploring Impact in Culture, Art and Education

On 25 September 2025, in the framework of MONDIACULT 2025, Layers of values: Exploring Impact in Culture, Art and Education will take place as an international meeting dedicated to advancing inclusive impact assessment in the arts, culture, and education sectors. In a time when social inclusion, civic participation, emotional well-being, and ecological transition are urgent priorities, the convergence of arts, culture, and education has proven to be a driver for building more diverse, resilient, and imaginative societies. Yet, despite the richness of this field, many initiatives still operate in isolation, and valuable learning remains fragmented. The event will gather projects, practitioners, and researchers working at the intersection of culture, education, and research to address complex evaluation challenges: capturing intangible outcomes, defining success with vulnerable groups or informal settings, and measuring layered impacts that go beyond simple metrics. Drawing on the New European Bauhaus values — beauty, sustainability, and inclusion — it will offer a space for peer exchange, co-creation, and methodological innovation. Organised by the EU-funded PULSE-ART project, in cooperation with European Citizen Science (ECS), the meeting aims to embed diversity not as an optional goal, but as a foundational condition for equitable impact. It will also strengthen connections between cultural, educational, and citizen science initiatives, paving the way for shared tools and collaborative frameworks. If your work touches on culture, education, or citizen science — and you are committed to developing rigorous, inclusive evaluation practices — this event offers a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and shape the future of impact assessment

SPLASH EU Blue Education Series

🌊 Be part of the change for our oceans through your participation in the BLUE EDUCATIONAL SERIES online seminars by Splash EU! 📅 July 24 & 25 | 🕒 15:00 - 19:00 CET 🧠 Learn – 📢 Get Inspired – 🌍 Take Action 🎯 Discover the power of citizen science in tackling marine pollution and the vital role of communication and education in ocean conservation. 📌 Register & learn more: https://www.mare-centre.pt/en/splashblueseries-en 📢 Coordinated by: MARE - Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambienteand MindmeUp L.P. 📢 Supported by: Universidade de Coimbra, #EU4Ocean, #ACTeon and European Commission

BE THE CHANGE ambassador training

🌊 Ready to BE THE CHANGE? 🌍 Join us for the SPLASH EU Ambassador Training in Figueira da Foz, Portugal – an unforgettable experience for passionate young changemakers! 📅 16–18 July 2025 📍 Campus UC, Figueira da Foz 👥 Ages 18–30 🍽️ Meals & accommodation provided for 25 participants 💥 What’s in it for you? 🔹 Boost your public speaking & communication skills 🔹 Level up your leadership & digital advocacy 🔹 Become a SPLASH-EU Ambassador and advocate for ocean citizenship 👉 Secure your spot NOW: https://lnkd.in/dYaNk3kT 📲 Scan the QR code on the poster for quick access! 📢 Coordinated by: MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre and MindmeUp L.P. 📢 Supported by: Universidade de Coimbra, EU4Ocean, ACTeon and European Commission

Cluster event: Advancing Public Engagement and Citizen Science in the ERA

The event will celebrate citizen science and showcase the value of public engagement, highlighting best practices, guiding future policy, sharing knowledge and building collaboration. The 2025 EU Citizen Science Prize winners will also be announced! REA is proud to co-host a cluster event which will gather researchers and policymakers to discuss the impact of public engagement on evidence-based policymaking. In addition, - The event will provide a platform to showcase successful and innovative citizen engagement strategies, while reinforcing the value of “Bringing science closer to citizens” within the European Research Area. - EU-funded research projects will present their citizen science and public engagement experience and share best practices. - The winners of the EU Prize for Citizen Science will be announced. The Prize rewards outstanding citizen science initiatives that address social, political, cultural, and environmental challenges through the involvement of citizens. The full event will take place in Brussels. Those connected online will be able to follow the plenary session (in the morning) and the winners' announcement (in the afternoon). The event is co-organised by REA and EU-funded projects IMPETUS and ECS.

Citizen Science Fair 2025: A Celebration of Citizen Science

Join us on Wednesday, 18 June 2025 from 10:30-17:00 in the Garden of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences for the Citizen Science Fair 2025, an event highlighting the growing influence and innovation of citizen science across Europe. Organised by European Citizen Science (ECS), Scivil, the Institute of Natural Sciences, and the European Commission, this event aims to foster cross-sector collaboration and policy dialogue.

Webinar: Citizen Science in Malta for Marine Restoration

You're invited to come join & celebrate virtually ‘World Citizen Science Month’ in April with us by participating in a special online webinar. We will discuss the contribution of Citizen Science in Malta towards the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems. Gain insights from leading citizen science campaigns in Malta, featuring SharkLab, EcoMarine Malta, Discover the Blu, Ċirkewwa Marine Park, and the Oceanography Malta Research Group (OMRG). The session will conclude with an engaging roundtable discussion. Join with the Webinar ZOOM online : ZOOM ID: 971 0079 2135 Passcode: MarineCS Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn more about the incredible marine work occurring here in the Mediterranean Sea. This event is proudly supported by the MEDiverSEAty Consortium from European Union’s Horizon 2020/ MSCA funding.