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.

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

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.

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.

ACCTING final conference. Empowering change: Building a fair and inclusive Green Deal

The European Green Deal aspires to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, with a commitment to ‘leave no one behind.’ However, current environmental policies often overlook the diverse social impacts on marginalised groups. Low-income populations, racial minorities, women, or rural communities frequently bear the brunt of environmental challenges, while also facing significant barriers to accessing green solutions. These groups are often excluded from decision-making processes despite possessing the necessary local knowledge and demonstrating resilience and innovation in the face of environmental challenges. ACCTING has critically examined the social and economic impacts of the European Green Deal on marginalised groups. By employing a gender+ intersectional approach, the project has demonstrated how Green Deal policies affect individual and collective behaviours, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities. Based on these extensive research insights, ACCTING has developed innovative, evidence-based solutions, including pilot actions and thematic recommendations that empower vulnerable communities and guide inclusive policymaking. The ACCTING Final Conference, “Empowering Change: Building a Fair and Inclusive Green Deal,” invites a diverse audience of civil society representatives, NGOs, policymakers, researchers, and Green Deal stakeholders to engage with actionable strategies for achieving a socially just and inclusive Green Deal.

ECS Collaboration Session - Advocacy in CS

Are you involved in citizen science projects or networks? The ECS Collaboration Sessions give you a platform to learn about different citizen science projects, exchange insights about key topics and competencies in CS, and share updates on your own work with a wide range of CS professionals. The ECS project is organising Collaboration Sessions once every two months. In these online Sessions, CS practitioners have the floor to host presentations, activities, and learning moments for the benefit of the European citizen science community. Do you want to learn about ongoing projects and specific competencies that can boost your own work? You are welcome join and participate in these sessions. Or do you want to host your own session, in which you share insights from your own work with the European CS community? Then, feel free to reach out to alex@stickydot.eu to arrange your session. Upcoming Session: February 4th - Amplify your Impact: Advocacy for Citizen Science Are you passionate about citizen science but unsure how to fully showcase its value to policymakers, funders, or even colleagues in your own organisation? Advocacy is a powerful tool for increasing awareness, recognition, funding, and policy change — but it can be tricky to get right! Join the upcoming ECS collaboration session focused on advocacy training for CS practitioners to learn and practice effective strategies to better communicate the value of your work and secure the support you need for your projects. This session is ideal for citizen science practitioners, project leaders, researchers, educators, and anyone passionate about advancing the field of citizen science. About the speaker: Ilona Kish With a wealth of experience in policy development and advocacy, Ilona has been a driving force behind numerous campaigns that have successfully highlighted the value of libraries to policymakers, funders, and communities across Europe and beyond. As Director of Public Libraries 2030, Ilona has been working to expand and reinforce the role of public libraries as beacons of citizen participation in science – and she sees the crucial role that advocacy skills play both in mainstreaming CS in Europe and in securing support for organisations working in the field. Session details: February 4th, 11:00 - 12:30 CET Online Format: Presentation from advocacy expert Ilona Kish + interactive group activities Interested in joining? Enter your email address below to receive the invite.

Bridging Sustainability and Accessibility in the Green Transition: Future Transformations in the Digital World

Now in its third edition, the Green Digital Accessibility conference focuses on the urgent challenge of building a sustainable and inclusive digital future for all, exploring innovative research and real-world practices across technology, communication, environmental science, and education. This conference serves as an important meeting point for researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, educators, activists, and anyone interested in accessibility and sustainability to discuss emerging trends and share insights to foster a sustainable and equitable future for all.

Wetland Watchers workshop - Empowering Citizen Science for Climate Action

The Wetland Watchers workshop is an opportunity to bring together various researchers and stakeholders with a shared interest in wetlands. Invited speakers: Barbara Sowinska-Swierkosz (PL), Milena Holmgren & Juul Limpens (NL), Rosa Arias (ES), Gitte Kragh (DK) Objectives: * Explore the integration of citizen science into wetland and climate research * Share recent findings and technological advancements * Promote collaboration, innovation and public engagement in climate change mitigation efforts. Program 08:30 - 09:00 | Registration and Welcome Coffee Participants arrival and registration Informal networking over coffee 09:00 - 09:15 | Opening Remarks Welcome by the Workshop Organizer – Lorenzo Pugliese and Shubiao Wu Introduction to the Workshop Objectives 09:15 - 10:30 | Citizen Science Research & Methodology (Gitte Kragh) Introduction to citizen science research design and methodologies/interactive session 10:30 - 10:45 | Coffee Break 10:45 - 11:15 | Communication & public engagement (Rosa Arias/online) Effective communication and engagement 11:15 - 12:00 | Education and Awareness (Gitte Kragh) Raising awareness among researchers, volunteers and stakeholders/interactive session 12:00 - 13:00 | Lunch Break 13:00 - 13:30 | Citizen Science in restored wetlands (Barbara Sowińska-Świerkosz) Citizen science task and toolkit in relation to wetland 13:30 - 14:00 | Citizen Science in the WaterLAND project (Milena Holmgren & Juul Limpens) The WaterLand co-creation method Action sites 14:00 - 14:15 | Coffee Break 14:15 - 15:15 | Citizen science in wetland restoration: overcoming barriers and enhancing methodologies (World café led by Gitte Kragh) Identifying and overcoming barriers Enhancing data collection methodologies Collaborative frameworks: building partnerships between researchers, local communities, and policymakers 15:15 - 15:30 | Closing Remarks and Future Directions (Shubiao Wu/Lorenzo Pugliese) Organiser: Wet Horizons / Aarhus University

ECS Policy Event "Redefining Excellence: The CoARA Agreement as an Opportunity for the Citizen Science Community"

In this upcoming ECS policy event, we will explore the central role of citizen science in reforming research assessment and redefining scientific excellence. Join our online panel of experts and decision-makers from science and policy as we discuss the CoARA Agreement - a unique opportunity to advance the integration of citizen science into mainstream academic funding and reputation systems. Together we will explore ways in which policymakers can champion this integration and reflect on its wider implications for both the field of citizen science and academia as a whole. Register here: https://forms.gle/1M34MnzGVLGk7MXP6

YouCount: Save the dates for Final Conference 4-5 December 2023

Youth Citizen Social Science contributing to social inclusion How can we shape an inclusive society for young people at risk of exclusion in Europe? What role can Citizen Science play in this endeavour? The Horizon 2020 research and innovation project YouCount explored these questions through co-creative research with youth and local stakeholders in nine countries across ten cases. After two years of hands-on Youth Citizen Social Science work, YouCount will share experiences and look ahead to discuss findings and potential impacts on EU policies and beyond. Program: The first day includes a seminar focusing on hands-on Youth Citizen Social Science and a welcome reception. The final conference takes place on the second day where we will discuss implications of key findings with stakeholders and policymakers. On both days, the voices of our young co-researchers will be amplified during presentations, interactive sessions, round table discussions and an exhibition. The event will be free of charge and partly hybrid. Event location: DECEMBER 4, 2023 | 14.00-17.00 & 18.00-20.30 | Nordic House, Rue du Luxembourg 3/5 DECEMBER 5, 2023 | 09.00-17.00 | Hotel NH Brussels EU Berlaymont, Bd Charlemagne 11/19 - tagg "YouCount"

Citizen Science for Policy and Practice event

Join us to discuss participatory research and citizen science and their impact on policy and practice. This event aims to inspire and support you to explore what citizen science is and the opportunities it offers, for policymakers, funders and researchers alike. A range of speakers from international research and policy areas will reflect on citizen science as a form of participatory research, and its impact on policymakers and practitioners around the world. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about current projects funded by UKRI and FSA which are exploring ways of embedding citizen science across research, from the safety of infant formula to young people’s mental health. There will be opportunities to explore themes based on your interests in citizen science and its potential impacts, and network with others interested and involved in citizen science. Who should attend this event? This event is open to anyone to attend. You may be interested in this event if you are a policy-maker, funder, commissioner of research, or a researcher. You are welcome to attend if you are familiar with citizen science or interested in finding out more. UKRI, the Food Standards Agency and the Institute for Community Studies are pleased to be partnering to organise this event. The event is also supported by the Government Social Research Profession. Speakers Dr Marc J Kuchner, Citizen Science Officer at NASA Professor Tim Spector, Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at Kings College London and director of The Zoe Project Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Food Standards Agency Achla Joshi, Senior Program Officer, Health Canada Professor Jennifer Gabrys, Chair in Media, Culture and Environment, University of Cambridge Dr Margaret Gold, Coordinator, Citizen Science, Leiden University Dr Christian Reynolds, Senior Lecturer in Food Policy, University of London Sian Whyte Head of Strategic Design and Insight, The Young Foundation Dr Helena Hollis, Senior Researcher, Institute for Community Studies Dr Steve Scott, Public Engagement Lead, UK Research and Innovation

Incontro Nazionale di Citizen Science Italia

Con grande piacere comunichiamo che l’11-12 novembre 2021 presso il Museo di Storia Naturale della Maremma (Grosseto) si terrà un incontro Nazionale di Citizen Science organizzato in collaborazione con EU-Citizen.Science e Action. Sarà l'occasione per aggiornare la comunità italiana di CS sulle principali novità dei progetti italiani e internazionali. Gli interventi per la presentazione dei progetti saranno strutturati come "speed-talk" di pochi minuti, oltre alle domande. Verrà fatto circolare più avanti un template per le presentazioni. Stiamo lavorando per organizzare l'evento in presenza, nel rispetto della vigente normativa anti-Covid. L'incontro sarà in ogni caso fruibile anche in streaming sulla pagina Fb di CSI e sul sito del museo. Tuttavia vi invitiamo, se possibile, a intervenire di persona (soprattutto se avete un progetto da illustrare). Siete pregati di comunicarci la vostra adesione il prima possibile, tramite il seguente modulo [ https://forms.gle/hWVD13zHRDQjzmoa9 ], entro e non oltre il 10 ottobre. Il programma di massima prevede una prima giornata (11 novembre) dedicata alla presentazione dei progetti. Il secondo giorno (12 Novembre) ci saranno due sessioni parallele: una come prosecuzione della presentazione dei progetti del giorno precedente, l’altra, a numero chiuso e su invito, una policy masterclass dedicata ai policy makers organizzata da Action. Il pomeriggio del secondo giorno sarà dedicato a individuare una soluzione che possa formalizzare la realtà di CSI, iniziando a valutare concretamente l'opportunità di fondare una Associazione Italiana di Citizen Science. Vi invitiamo a fornire anticipatamente contributi in questo senso. Maggiori informazioni prossimamente qui https://www.facebook.com/citizenscienceitalia https://www.facebook.com/museostorianaturalemaremma https://www.museonaturalemaremma.it/ With great pleasure, we announce that the National Citizen Science meeting organized in collaboration with EU-Citizen.Science and Action will be held on 11-12 November 2021 at the Maremma Natural History Museum (Grosseto, Italy). We are working to organize the event in presence, in accordance with the current anti-Covid legislation. In any case, the meeting will also be available in streaming on the CSI Fb page and on the museum website. The general program includes a first day (11th of November) dedicated to the presentation of the projects. On the second day (12th of November) there will be two parallel sessions: one as a continuation of the presentation of the projects, the other, by invitation, a policy masterclass dedicated to policymakers organized by Action. On the afternoon of the second day, we will evaluate the opportunity to found an Italian Association of Citizen Science. More information soon here https://www.facebook.com/citizenscienceitalia https://www.facebook.com/museostorianaturalemaremma https://www.museonaturalemaremma.it/