Citizen Science Support: Introduction

The Citizen Science Support is open to inquiries from researchers and students as well as the public. 

Reach us at forskersupport@kb.dk

We provide help with

• General questions about Citizen Science
• Workshops for researchers and students 
• Matchmaking and communication between researchers and the public

The European Citizen Science Association defines Citizen Science as the the participation of the public in science and research. It is an open and inclusive approach, with key characteristics including:

1)  Citizens are actively involved in research

2)  There is a genuine science outcome, such as new scientific knowledge, conservation action or policy change

See examples of Citizen Science projects under the "Cases & Tools" and "Videos" tabs. 

Citizen Science methods and approaches has many potentials for benefiting researchers, citizens and society at a general level. Some of these are:

• Research communication and dissemination
• Research credibility and relevance
• Education of citizens´ knowledge and research literacy
• Social value creation; new cost-free communities for citizens to participate across age, background, geography, etc.
• Increased resources, skills, knowledge, ideas and opportunities in research projects 
• Potentials for affecting increased sustainable behaviour amongst participating citizen
• Breaking down barriers between research communities and the public

Roskilde University aims for close cooperation with the surrounding society with the purpose of scientific and social responsibility. For that reason Citizen Science is prioritized in the university's current strategy, strategic framework contract, and research objectives. Read more here.

The University has chosen the "Citizen Science" term to avoid confusing in/externally, yet recognizing  overlaps with other terms and concepts such as e.g. "community science" or "participatory research".