CCitizen Science – also known as Public Participation in Scientific Research (PPSR) – is a highly topical research paradigm in which non-professional citizens actively collaborate with researchers and institutions at various stages of the scientific process, contributing observations, data, analyses, and sometimes even the definition of study questions.
This approach, complementary to traditional research, is particularly popular for some significant advantages:
It allows to enrich the data collection capacity, making them more detailed in space and time and broadening their thematic areas
It offers educational, awareness-raising and mutual learning opportunities, promoting greater awareness of scientific processes and trust in institutions
enriches research prospects thanks to the meeting of diversified skills and the experiential contribution of local communities
It promotes the development of public and territorial policies that are more rooted in the context, based on evidence and supported by community consensus.
IGG and the CS
IGG supports Citizen Science and promotes the participation of local communities, citizens, students, and various members of civil society in its research activities.
In 2024, IGG became the first research institute to join the Citizen Science Italiaassociation , following its development and contributing to the growth of the Italian network.
In the same year, an internal working group was established within the Institute to promote awareness of the method and support its implementation.
IGG activities and projects using participatory and CS approaches in the research process
European initiatives
Citizen Science is recognized and supported at European level through strategic documents, dedicated platforms, funding, and working networks, with the aim of integrating it permanently into research and innovation processes.
It is included among the pillars ofOpen Science1and is an integral part of the European Commission's RRI policies2, which supports it financially through programs such as Horizon 2020, SwafS, and COST Action3.
The reference document that outlines its potential, challenges, and recommendations is the White Paper on Citizen Science for Europe.4.
TheEuropean Citizen Science Association5 (ECSA) is among the promoters and coordinators of the european platform EU-Citizen.Science6, a digital hub supported by the European Commission to collect, share, and enhance projects, tools, and resources dedicated to citizen science.
1 EOSC Declaration
2 Hecker et al., 2019
3 Vohland et al., 2021
4 White Paper on Citizen Science for Europe
5 European Citizen Science Association
6 EU-Citizen.Science