For us, Citizen Science is about creating interaction and dialogue between citizens and researchers. In this way, we can reduce the distance between citizen and researcher/expert - and create a debate and dialogue based on knowledge and facts. CS projects such as 'A healthier Southern Denmark' engage and involve citizens in prioritising health research that they otherwise did not think they had access to contribute to. And in the project 'Campus Odense Active Living', citizens and associations are helping to develop the use of the 80-hectare nature area that is Campus Odense.
An old concept
Citizen Science is a new definition of an old concept. The term Citizen Science was first used in the 1990s, but has since become increasingly popular. The English definition covers many ideas, but most commonly the following:
Projects where volunteers collaborate with researchers to answer real-world questions.
This may sound to some like a concept where "real researchers" utilise the labour of a large group of volunteers, but it can also be seen as a revolution in the world of research, where knowledge about the world around us and insight into research becomes common knowledge.
People who do not necessarily have a scientific education can be involved in research projects, for example in setting up and managing projects or collecting and processing data. This can be of great importance to researchers and other stakeholders, such as politicians and administrators.
In addition to the traditional desire for new knowledge and understanding, researchers who engage in citizen science often have a desire to involve, excite and inspire participants. In return for the help the researchers receive from volunteers, they share their knowledge and passion for the field they work in. Volunteering in a research project should give something in return, such as an opportunity to learn in a fun way or take an active part in decision-making processes around research and management.
Citizen science is a new name for an old concept that has formed the basis for many of the great scientific discoveries of the past. Despite the fact that citizen science is becoming more and more widespread in Denmark, many people are still unaware of it. You may have heard of the major projects in biodiversity, such as NaturTjek, but citizen science can also be used in health science, cultural history, social science and other areas.
Citizen science can help make research in a wide range of disciplines more accessible and understandable, which is especially important today due to the increasing amount of fake news and distrust in research. It's not just for the 'few' who might be particularly interested in a particular topic. It can also be used for educational purposes and as a tool to bring citizens, society and science closer together. For this reason, there is also a growing interest from foundations, ministries, NGOs, universities and other educational institutions in the application of citizen science.
Read more about Citizen Science in Denmark - DEFF report 20/11-2020 here: https://unipress.dk/udgivelser/c/citizen-science-i-danmark/
If you have any questions about Citizen Science at SDU, please contact:
Anne Kathrine Overgaard (ako@sdu.dk), Administrative officer, Faculty of Health Sciences
Thomas Kaarsted (thk@bib.sdu.dk), Deputy manager, University Library of Southern Denmark