Transformative Citizen Science for Sustainability

An advanced-level course offered by WageningenX

Course Description

"Transformative Citizen Science for Sustainability" explores the critical intersection of citizen science and sustainability challenges. This innovative course delves into the power of collaboration between citizens and scientists to address urgent environmental and social issues. By examining successful citizen science projects across various domains, including water and air quality, disease, climate change, and biodiversity loss, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to design, implement, and evaluate impactful citizen science initiatives.

What Students Will Learn

  • Develop a comprehensive plan for initiating and sustaining a citizen science project
  • Gain insights into different types of citizen science projects
  • Understand the trade-offs in engaging citizens throughout project phases
  • Master the iterative design-implementation cycle for citizen science projects
  • Learn to assess and communicate the process, outcomes, and impact of citizen science initiatives

Prerequisites

  • MSc-level thinking and research skills
  • BSc-level certificate with experience in public or academic research or consultancy
  • Academic or professional experience with citizen engagement

Who This Course Is For

  • Policy makers interested in developing broadly supported and informed solutions
  • Concerned citizens or professionals working in NGOs or activist organizations
  • Academics wishing to increase the societal impact of their research
  • Individuals interested in gaining expertise in citizen science for sustainability

Real-World Applications

  • Design and implement effective citizen science projects
  • Facilitate collaboration between scientists, citizens, and policymakers
  • Develop data collection and analysis strategies
  • Communicate project outcomes and impacts to diverse stakeholders
  • Navigate ethical considerations in citizen science initiatives
  • Contribute to policy-making processes informed by citizen-generated data
  • Enhance community engagement in sustainability efforts

Syllabus

Module 1: Citizen Science Basics

  • Definitions and terms in citizen science
  • Setting goals and research questions
  • Identifying stakeholders
  • Ethical considerations in citizen science

Module 2: Project Strategy and Design

  • Defining engagement levels for different stakeholders
  • Communication tools for citizen science
  • Data collection strategies
  • Recruitment and mobilization of citizen scientists

Module 3: Methods and Tools

  • Technical requirements for citizen science platforms
  • Data quality assurance methods
  • Data flow management
  • Handling and interpreting collected data
  • Data privacy issues

Module 4: Communication and Impact

  • Monitoring and evaluation practices
  • Engaging citizen scientists in action
  • Connecting with policymakers
  • Utilizing mass and social media
  • Ethical issues in communication and impact

Transformative Citizen Science Project (Practical Module)

  • Applying course concepts to a real-world sustainability challenge
  • Designing and implementing a citizen science project
  • Receiving feedback from course staff and peers