Citizen Science
A collaborative project sharing best practice and exploring what works in ‘citizen science’ research around the UK.
Through citizen science, people can explore issues that matter to them, take part in solving global challenges, shape the questions that researchers ask, and learn new skills. We hope the lessons from this programme will inspire communities and researchers around the UK.”
Tom Saunders, Head of Public Engagement at UKRI
This three-year, UKRI-funded programme launched in 2021. Working with researchers and citizen scientists from five projects, our collaboration seeks to share best practice and explore what works in ‘citizen science’, asking how a range of participatory approaches can support people to play a fuller role in the design, delivery and communication of research.
This programme also aims to inform future participatory research and funding design.
Read moreWhat is 'citizen science'?
Our short video explores the value and purpose of participatory research approaches.
Discussion and debate
Experiences of ‘citizen science’
Institute for Community Studies9 October 2023
This is the first in a series of short discussion papers produced by the Institute for Community Studies to share learnings and reflections from the UKRI-funded Citizen Science Collaboration Grants.
Ethics in ‘citizen science’
Institute for Community Studies17 October 2024
This is the second in a series of short discussion papers produced by the Institute for Community Studies to share learnings and reflections from the UKRI-funded Citizen Science Collaboration Grants.
Citizen science, health research, and the fight against Covid-19
Speaking at an event convened by UKRI, the FSA, and the Institute for Community Studies, Professor Tim Spector shares insights from the world’s biggest citizen science health project – the ZOE Health Study – which provided data in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Research and reflections
Telling the whole story: why we must be open about the complexities of citizen science research
Methods and measurement Peer research31 October 2022
Dr Helena Hollis says support structures can be developed to build participatory research capacities for the future.
Valuing and enabling citizen science: lessons from the Citizen Science Exploration Grant programme
Institute for Community Studies Peer research14 August 2022
Exploring UKRI-funded projects, this report makes recommendations for future ‘citizen science’ research and funding design.
Videos
Perspectives from a Citizen Researcher
Rebecca shares her experiences of Citizen Science work
Perspectives from a Citizen Scientist
Ronnie shares her views on Citizen Science work.
Hive Minds webinar: Citizen Science event recording
Sharing experiences of citizen science and community research.
From tomato seeds in space to particles from comets
Dr. Marc Kuchner, Chief Science Officer at NASA, reflects on his organisation’s extensive work using citizen science approaches.
Perspectives from the field of citizen science
How is citizen science being used, what’s the view on the ground, and what does it take to share good practice and scale up?
Transforming tomorrow
Dr Steve Scott describes UKRI’s journey in supporting citizen science, working to enable diverse groups to participate with, and collaborate in, the research and innovation process.
Hive Minds: Funding a more participatory future for citizen science
This panel discussion reflects on the findings of a review of UKRI’s Citizen Science Exploration Grant-funded projects, and explores ways to support participatory research approaches.