Citizen science sounds like a new invention but is essentially an established concept – the involvement of members of the general public in the search for knowledge and new information. Centuries ago, passionate amateur researchers were already making contributions to scientific discoveries by conducting experiments to investigate and document natural phenomena or taking part in bird counts.

The options for public involvement in science have expanded rapidly in recent years. New digital technologies enable citizens to take an active part in large-scale research projects, wherever they are. Data can be collected via smartphone apps, for instance, or submitted via online portals. Some research projects would be impossible without this kind of support because scientific evidence often requires large volumes of data, which professional scientists are not really in a position to collect on their own.

In addition, there is an increasing need for citizens to be involved in all stages and processes of research – from defining new research questions and drawing up project concepts through to analysis and publication.

The Leibniz Association promotes citizen science in a number of different areas and plays a leading role in shaping its further development.

Citizen Science Working Group

The Citizen Science Working Group aims to pool the activities and competencies in the field of Citizen Science within the Leibniz Association and to actively introduce the topic of Citizen Science into the scientific and strategic discourse.

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Mosquitoes on display
Photo SUSANNE HECKER
Citizen Scientist keeps an eye out for certain plants in the forest

Selected Citizen science projects

Contact
Claire Nicolas
Leibniz Association
Chausseestraße 111
10115 Berlin
T +49 03 0206049 612
nicolas@leibniz-gemeinschaft.de