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

Public Engagement offers science and policymakers a strong return on investment by delivering scientific, environmental, and societal benefits at relatively low cost while strengthening democratic engagement. By involving the public  directly in generating knowledge for policy, it increases transparency, builds civic skills, and fosters trust in institutions. At a time of declining trust in science and growing mis- and disinformation, citizen science helps reconnect knowledge, citizens, and policymaking. It supports EU priorities such as the Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, and the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, while contributing to initiatives like the European Democracy Shield and the Union of Skills. Looking ahead to future funding programmes and policy frameworks, scaling and better integrating public engagement can help ensure that research and policymaking remain inclusive, trusted, and impactful.

Publish information

Publisher:	ECS
Year of publication:	2026
License:	tba
DOI:	tba

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Language

English

Keywords

Impact Citizen Science Activities Participatory Research Policyma

Theme

Best Practices Cs Stories Impact

Category

Interactive Resource (Website)

Audience

Policy & Decision Makers All Audiences