About the programme

UKRI’s Citizen Science Collaboration Grants (CSEG) programme funded 28 Citizen Science projects around the UK. The aim was to support diverse groups to participate with, and collaborate in, research and innovation, testing opportunities to extend citizen science methodologies. Key learnings are explored in the Institute for Community Studies’ evaluative review.

Citizen science is important in enabling diverse groups of people to participate in research and innovation, whether through collecting data, analysing data, or helping researchers and innovators to develop better questions.”

Tom Saunders, Head of Public Engagement, UKRI

Explore the projects

Funded by UKRI, five teams across the UK have been working to involve people and communities in citizen science research projects. These projects all involve a diverse range of organisations, including universities, museums, arts organisations, city councils, mental health charities, and grassroots community groups. The collaborations will generate valuable new insights by bringing the knowledge and expertise of the public together with that of researchers.

Ancient History, Contemporary Belonging

Based at the Manchester Centre for Youth Studies, this project with people of refugee background works to increase our understanding of ancient historical objects in the collections of Manchester Museum and Sheba Arts, and seeks to challenge exclusionary narratives about refugees in the UK.

Citizens Researching Together, Bristol

In this project, people in Bristol, including African Caribbean communities, will address the history, and contemporary legacies, of transatlantic slavery in the city.

C-STACS (Citizen science to achieve coproduction at scale)

People living with mental health problems are working to drive innovation in the treatment of mental health issues, and the support available to enable people to live as well as possible.

HOMEs under the microscope

Citizen scientists are working to investigate the extent of the microplastic crisis, exploring the presence of airborne microplastics in people’s homes to get a better picture of where these particles come from.

Youth LIVES

Young people with mental health problems will identify priorities for mental health research and design research that addresses any gaps.

Learning and sharing

Working with researchers and citizen scientists, the Institute for Community Studies supports learning from between these projects, and also with the wider sector. This includes sharing research and reflections, and curating events.

Explore our Peer Research Network