scholarly journals A question of dialogue? Reflections on how citizen science can enhance communication between science and society

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (03) ◽  
pp. A13
Author(s):  
Katherin Wagenknecht ◽  
Tim Woods ◽  
Christian Nold ◽  
Simone Rüfenacht ◽  
Silke Voigt-Heucke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Science Policy ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Open Science ◽  
Policy Agenda ◽  
Science And Society ◽  
Transdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Current Science

Citizen science is a transdisciplinary approach that responds to the current science policy agenda: in terms of supporting open science, and by using a range of science communication instruments. In particular, it opens up scientific research processes by involving citizens at different phases; this also creates a range of opportunities for science communication to happen This article explores methodological and practical characteristics of citizen science as a form of science communication by examining three case studies that took different approaches to citizens' participation in science. Through these, it becomes clear that communication in citizen science is ‘÷always’ science communication and an essential part of “doing science”.

scholarly journals Citizens, Scientists, and Enablers: A Tripartite Model for Citizen Science Projects

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 309
Author(s):  
Rhian A. Salmon ◽  
Samuel Rammell ◽  
Myfanwy T. Emeny ◽  
Stephen Hartley
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Nature Of Science ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Public Engagement ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Tripartite Model ◽  
Science Project ◽  
Science Projects ◽  
Emerging Issues ◽  
Citizen Science Project

In this paper, we focus on different roles in citizen science projects, and their respective relationships. We propose a tripartite model that recognises not only citizens and scientists, but also an important third role, which we call the ‘enabler’. In doing so, we acknowledge that additional expertise and skillsets are often present in citizen science projects, but are frequently overlooked in associated literature. We interrogate this model by applying it to three case studies and explore how the success and sustainability of a citizen science project requires all roles to be acknowledged and interacting appropriately. In this era of ‘wicked problems’, the nature of science and science communication has become more complex. In order to address critical emerging issues, a greater number of stakeholders are engaging in multi-party partnerships and research is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary. Within this context, explicitly acknowledging the role and motivations of everyone involved can provide a framework for enhanced project transparency, delivery, evaluation and impact. By adapting our understanding of citizen science to better recognise the complexity of the organisational systems within which they operate, we propose an opportunity to strengthen the collaborative delivery of both valuable scientific research and public engagement.

scholarly journals Exploring serendipitous dialogue

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (04) ◽  
pp. E ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Weitkamp
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Science And Society ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Past ◽  
Research Areas

Over the past decades there has been an increasing recognition of the need to promote dialogue between science and society. Often this takes the form of formal processes, such as citizen’s juries, that are designed to allow the public to contribute their views on particular scientific research areas. But there are also many less formal mechanisms that promote a dialogue between science and society. This editorial considers science festivals and citizen science in this context and argues that we need a greater understanding of the potential impacts of these projects on the individuals involved, both scientists and the public.

scholarly journals The Microbiome as TED Knows It: Popular Science Communication and Neoliberal Subject

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Penelope Ironstone
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Human Microbiome ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Popular Science ◽  
Economic Interests ◽  
Social Good ◽  
Microbiome Analysis ◽  
The Social ◽  
Ted Talks

Background  Although criticized for a variety of reasons, TED platforms and conventions have been engaged, often uncritically, as tools for popular science communication. This article critically examines four TED Talks that engage the relatively recent biomedical concept of the human microbiome. Analysis  Neoliberal values underpin both the TED universe and the marketization of science. TED conventions produce a discursive regularity that brings together neoliberal subjectivity and bioeconomic imperatives of contemporary scientific research. This neoliberalization is supported by uncritically championing citizen science and the so-called democratization of science alongside crowdsourcing and crowdfunding appeals.Conclusions and implications  Uncritically embracing TED Talks can implicate science communication in the reproduction of problematic ideological positions that favour economic interests over the social good or even individual health.Contexte  Les plateformes et conférences TED ont contribué à rendre la science accessible, même si elles souvent manqué de discernement en le faisant. Cet article effectue un examen critique de quatre TED Talks portant sur le concept relativement récent de microbiome humain. Analyse Des valeurs néolibérales sous-tendent l’univers TED et la marchandisation de la science. Les conférences TED associent ordinairement une subjectivité néolibérale aux impératifs bioéconomiques de la recherche savante contemporaine. Elles appuient le néolibéralisme en vantant de manière parfois irréfléchie la prétendue démocratisation de la science, les sciences participatives, la production participative et les appels au sociofinancement.  Conclusions et implications  Accepter sans réserve les TED Talks peut entraîner la communication de la science à reproduire des partis pris idéologiques problématiques, favorisant des intérêts économiques au détriment du bien commun ou même de la santé personnelle.

Science of Communicating Science

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig Cormick
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Practice Research ◽  
Practical Advice ◽  
The Public

Are you wishing you knew how to better communicate science, without having to read several hundred academic papers and books on the topic? Luckily Dr Craig Cormick has done this for you! This highly readable and entertaining book distils best practice research on science communication into accessible chapters, supported by case studies and examples. With practical advice on everything from messages and metaphors to metrics and ethics, you will learn what the public think about science and why, and how to shape scientific research into a story that will influence beliefs, behaviours and policies.

scholarly journals Authentic Youth Engagement in Environmental Health Research and Advocacy

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2154
Author(s):  
Kathryn M. Cardarelli ◽  
Melinda Ickes ◽  
Luz Huntington-Moskos ◽  
Craig Wilmhoff ◽  
Angela Larck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Health ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Youth Empowerment ◽  
Organizational Setting ◽  
Youth Engagement ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Critical Components ◽  
The Individual

Training in environmental health (EH) engages and inspires youth to tackle health promotion and policy change. Yet, there is little guidance on how to successfully nurture and sustain youth engagement. This paper compares four case studies of youth engagement to promote EH in rural and urban communities using the Youth Empowerment Solutions (YES!) framework. Of the case studies in rural (Central Appalachia) and urban (Cincinnati, Ohio) communities, two employ citizen science approaches using PhotoVoice and environmental sampling; one engages youth in a science communication camp; and one focuses on policy advocacy. We compare and contrast these case studies using the YES! Critical Components and Empowerment levels. The case studies were discussed at the 2020 Partnerships in Environmental Public Health Meeting, where participants identified challenges and possible solutions for promoting and maintaining authentic youth engagement in EH research and advocacy. Analysis of the case studies indicated that youth engagement activities focusing on the individual were more common than those targeting the organizational setting or the community. Youth demonstrate agency to impact EH issues in their communities by engaging in hands-on opportunities to practice citizen science and advocacy. Overcoming challenges to authentic young engagement is important to sustain this work.

scholarly journals Citizen consultations on science communication: A citizen science approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Delicado ◽  
Jussara Rowland ◽  
Empar Vengut Climent ◽  
Isabel Mendoza-Poudereux ◽  
Edurne Gaston
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Science And Society ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Core ◽  
Science Approach ◽  
Public Consultations ◽  
International Research Project

Citizen science is part of a wider trend in science and society of promoting two-way dialogue and engagement between scientists and the public, by involving citizens in the research process. This paper examines how CONCISE, an international research project involving Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland and Slovakia, seeks to understand how citizens acquire and use scientific information, by engaging citizens through public consultations. The consultations gathered close to 500 citizens in 2019. Asking them for suggestions on how to improve science communication and involving them in the dissemination efforts, CONCISE aims to put citizens at the core of the research process.

Incorporating citizen science in open science: a case study of participatory rainfall measurements in the context of a Technical University

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra de Vries ◽  
Marit Bogert ◽  
Sabine Kunst ◽  
Nicoleta Nastase
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Open Science ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
Science Program ◽  
Participatory Science ◽  
The University ◽  
The City

<p>Citizen science has globally been recognized as a vital part of open science and as a way of doing research that enables new levels of science education and science communication. Due to its high levels of public participation, citizen science can be of great value in bringing society and science closer together. Universities across the world have acknowledged this value and aim to incorporate citizen science in their policies and daily practices as part of their open science practices.</p><p>The Delft University of Technology has set the goal to develop an open science program that includes citizen science. However, implementing and incorporating citizen science in an open science program is not a straightforward task and demands knowledge, understanding, and experience of the field as well as the practical implications. What should a university do to support the goals of various citizen science initiatives, within an open science context, and to assist and facilitate researchers to perform effective participatory science? To gain a deeper understanding of what a citizen science project entails within the context of a university, we performed a case-study implementing citizen science methods for hydrological research. The project, called Delft Measures Rain, was developed in collaboration with external partners and several internal departments and their staff, some already having experience with developing and coordinating citizen science projects. Citizens of Delft were encouraged to participate and work together with scientists from the Water Management department to investigate rainfall patterns within the city. In total, 95 citizens collaborated for two months to collect over 1900 individual rainfall measurements spread over the city and taken with home-made rain gauges.  We developed tailored recruitment strategies, data collection and validation tools, data visuals, and communication strategies. Overall, the project has delivered valuable results, including reliable rainfall data, involvement and enthusiasm of citizens, and valuable feedback from participants. Additionally, this project has led to more cooperation of relevant institutions and civil society organizations (CSO) across the city and between different departments within the university itself.</p><p>This case-study has showcased how various stakeholders (researchers, citizens, civil servants, CSO’s, etc.) can benefit from co-developed participatory research implementing citizen science and open science principles. With this case study, we were able to identify the benefits, drawbacks, and opportunities for all stakeholders involved. Furthermore, we identified key tools and facilitation needs to assist researchers within the university to perform effective participatory science. During the session, we would like to share our methods, successes, challenges, and lessons learned. This project shows that, with the right knowledge and tools, citizen science can deliver what it promises and be of great value to universities and open science in general. </p>

scholarly journals Open Media Science

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (06) ◽  
pp. A02 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristian Martiny ◽  
David Budtz Pedersen ◽  
Alfred Birkegaard
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Open Science

In this article, we present three challenges to the emerging Open Science (OS) movement: the challenge of communication, collaboration and cultivation of scientific research. We argue that to address these challenges OS needs to include other forms of data than what can be captured in a text and extend into a fully-fledged Open Media movement engaging with new media and non-traditional formats of science communication. We discuss two cases where experiments with open media have driven new collaborations between scientists and documentarists. We use the cases to illustrate different advantages of using open media to face the challenges of OS.

scholarly journals Co-created citizen science: challenging cultures and practice in scientific research

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (05) ◽  
pp. Y01
Author(s):  
Jade Gunnell ◽  
Yaela Golumbic ◽  
Tess Hayes ◽  
Michelle Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Public Participation ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Science Literature

Co-created citizen science offers practical tools for implementing science communication theories by increasing public participation in scientific research, empowering communities and advancing situated scientific knowledge. However, delivering such an approach presents a number of key challenges around funding, fostering working partnerships between scientists and citizens and ensuring all stakeholders receive sufficient benefits from the process. In this essay we draw from science communication and citizen science literature to describe these challenges and discuss the opportunities that will enable co-created practices to prosper.

scholarly journals Total SciComm: A Strategy for Communicating Open Science

Publications ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Manh-Toan Ho ◽  
Manh-Tung Ho ◽  
Quan-Hoang Vuong
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Community ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Open Science ◽  
Central Idea ◽  
Retracted Article ◽  
Scientific Ideas

This paper seeks to introduce a strategy of science communication: Total SciComm or all-out science communication. We proposed that to maximize the outreach and impact, scientists should use different media to communicate different aspects of science, from core ideas to methods. The paper uses an example of a debate surrounding a now-retracted article in the Nature journal, in which open data, preprints, social media, and blogs are being used for a meaningful scientific conversation. The case embodied the central idea of Total SciComm: the scientific community employs every medium to communicate scientific ideas and engages all scientists in the process.

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