Citizen science is changing the way we gather data, make discoveries, and tackle global challenges. Thanks to advances in technology and the widespread use of smartphones, everyday people now have the opportunity to contribute to scientific research in ways that were once unimaginable. Whether it’s identifying new species, tracking climate change, or monitoring pollution, citizen science empowers individuals to play a vital role in important research projects—helping scientists collect vast amounts of data and accelerate breakthroughs like never before.
What is Citizen Science?
Citizen science, sometimes known as participatory science or crowd-sourced research, involves members of the public contributing to scientific research. This can range from data collection and observations to experiments and analysis. Unlike traditional science, where experts handle all aspects of research, citizen science invites people from all walks of life to get involved.
By harnessing the power of many, citizen science enables scientists to collect vast datasets that would otherwise be difficult or even impossible to gather. The growth of the internet and mobile technology has allowed citizen science projects to scale globally, with participants from every corner of the world working towards common goals. Platforms like iNaturalist, where anyone can upload and share their observations, and UNESCO’s Environmental DNA (eDNA) Expeditions, are prime examples of how citizen science is transforming global research.
The Rise of Citizen Science: Why Now?
Several factors are driving the rise of citizen science:
- Technological Advancements: With smartphones, wearable devices, and apps, it’s easier than ever to collect and share data. Whether you’re tracking wildlife with your camera or using an app to collect weather data, technology has made citizen science more accessible than ever.
- Increased Interest in Science: Public interest in environmental issues, climate change, and biodiversity conservation has surged. People are eager to contribute to solving these global challenges and are actively seeking ways to get involved.
- Global Connectivity: The internet enables collaboration across borders, making it possible for thousands of people to participate in research projects no matter where they are based.
- Cost Efficiency: Citizen science is a cost-effective way to collect data. Researchers can leverage the help of volunteers, gathering large datasets without the need for expensive equipment or extensive research teams.
Citizen Science in Action
iNaturalist – Tracking Biodiversity
iNaturalist is a popular platform where users upload photos of plants and animals they encounter. The community helps identify species, creating a massive database of biodiversity observations. These contributions are crucial for tracking changes in species populations and understanding the impact of climate change and habitat loss.
eBird – Monitoring Bird Populations
eBird, run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is a citizen science project that allows birdwatchers to report sightings in real-time. With over 100 million bird observations logged, eBird has become one of the largest biodiversity databases in the world. This data is invaluable for tracking bird migration patterns, monitoring populations, and understanding shifts in ecosystems.
UNESCO eDNA – Understanding Marine Biodiversity
UNESCO’s Environmental DNA (eDNA) Expeditions is a global initiative that advances our understanding of marine biodiversity and how climate change impacts marine life distribution across UNESCO World Heritage sites. It represents the world’s first global citizen science project focused on detecting ocean biodiversity using shared eDNA collection methods.
Benefits of Citizen Science
Citizen science offers a range of benefits for both scientists and the public:
- Accelerated Research: With many hands on deck, research projects can progress faster. This is particularly important in areas like environmental monitoring, where timely data is essential.
- Data from Everywhere: Citizen science projects allow researchers to gather data from diverse locations and environments—especially remote or hard-to-reach areas. This helps provide a more comprehensive understanding of global phenomena.
- Public Engagement: Participating in citizen science builds a connection between the public and the scientific community. Volunteers gain a deeper understanding of scientific methods while contributing to meaningful research.
- Conservation Impact: Many citizen science projects focus on conservation, tracking endangered species, monitoring pollution, or observing ecosystem changes. This data plays a key role in shaping conservation efforts and influencing policy decisions.
- Skills Development: Participants often gain valuable skills in data collection, observation, and analysis. Some projects even offer training or certification opportunities, helping volunteers build experience in scientific research.
How to Get Involved
Getting involved in citizen science is easier than ever. Here’s how you can join the movement:
1. Find a Project
There are countless citizen science projects across various fields. Websites like SciStarter and Zooniverse list ongoing projects you can join, ranging from wildlife observation to space research.
2. Start Simple
If you’re new to citizen science, start with something simple. Apps like iNaturalist allow you to identify plants and animals, while eBird helps you track bird sightings. These beginner-friendly platforms guide you through the process.
3. Use Your Expertise
If you have skills in photography, programming, or knowledge of specific species, look for projects that match your expertise. Your specialised knowledge can be a huge asset to research efforts.
4. Engage with the Community
Many citizen science projects have online forums or social media groups where you can connect with other volunteers, share findings, and learn more about the research. Engaging with these communities keeps you motivated and informed.
5. Encourage Others
Spread the word about the citizen science projects you’re involved in. Invite friends, family, or colleagues to join, and help grow the impact of these global initiatives.
Friends of the Biosphere and Citizen Science
Friends of the Biosphere is a programme dedicated to promoting sustainable practices, increasing environmental awareness, and protecting local biodiversity. Through small grants, we support individuals, groups, schools, and non-profit organisations (NPOs) that want to engage in citizen science projects within the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR).
If you’re part of a group or organisation and are interested in citizen science, you can apply for a grant to help fund your project. This includes equipment for data collection, travel for fieldwork, and more.
Conclusion
Citizen science is more than just a passing trend—it’s a game-changer in scientific research. By empowering people from all walks of life to contribute to vital research, it accelerates discoveries, fosters global collaboration, and helps address pressing environmental challenges. Whether you’re passionate about wildlife conservation, climate change, or space exploration, there’s a citizen science project for you.
The best part? Anyone can get involved, regardless of age or background. All you need is curiosity and a desire to make a difference. So, why wait? Start today by joining a citizen science project, and become part of a global movement that’s changing the world for the better.