Citizen science is about the support of work on scientific projects by interested citizens. Internet-based cooperation platforms offer the appropriate infrastructure for this purpose. In terms of content, topics from the specialist departments are picked up and implemented with the participation of the public. For example, data collected by citizens on soil moisture or the condition of vegetation in their local environment could be used to calibrate satellite-based earth observation data. The first such proposals date back to the 1990s (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment GLOBE).
Parity-based cooperation in Citizen Science projects has become a beneficial for both, citizens and scientific partners. Civil society actors no longer serve as mere data collectors. More active formats of participation, including the involvement in and the design of the entire research process are now explored. ...[more]
In Autumn 2020, we plan to set up a Citizen Science Lab in Jena aimed at scientifically interested children and adults. The Lab will provide a working environment for the implementation of project ideas and will bring together interested citizens and researchers. ...[more]