Citizen Science is a collaborative approach that actively involves citizens and communities in the research process from the start. Also known as civic or participatory engagement, this method combines inclusive methodologies—like Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)— with digital tools and data-driven approaches, to empower people as co-creators of knowledge across all stages of research.
A crucial impact pathway: Bridging academic research and civic domains
Tackling today’s biggest challenges
This approach gains valuable insights directly from the public. It ensures research efforts contribute to transformative change in areas of critical societal concern. For instance climate action, urban transformation, public health, and social justice.
Building trust through transdisciplinary collaboration
Responsible citizen engagement cultivates meaningful and reciprocal relationships, fostering increased trust in science and promoting broader societal engagement with research.
Championing inclusive knowledge
Embracing Citizen Science is also a commitment to ethical and democratic research practices, making knowledge production more inclusive and promoting epistemic justice by sharing the means of knowledge production with a wider community.
Championing Citizen Science practices
Championing practices
What we do to strengthen civic engagement in research
Our Open Science team plays a key role in advancing Citizen Science at EUR. We have mapped Citizen Science initiatives at Erasmus University to guide ongoing institutional support. Currently, we support cross-disciplinary connections, raise awareness, and build long-term capacity for responsible civic engagement in research.
- Tailored advice: We connect researchers with the right resources, tools, and ongoing projects to advance engaged research.
- Liaising partnerships: We facilitate inter- and trans-disciplinary partnerships by linking researchers with institutional and civic partners through our networks.
- Engagement skills development: We offer training to equip (early-career) researchers with the necessary knowledge and strategies to develop impactful civic engagement initiatives.
- Community building: We bring together engaged researchers across disciplines and connect with schools and Erasmus initiatives to foster a strong community of practice dedicated to learning and improving civic engagement.
- Need to boost your research? Our team provides tailored advice, connecting researchers with specific resources, tools, and existing projects that can significantly advance different aspects of your research.
- Looking for collaborators? We act as a liaison to foster (inter)disciplinary collaboration and partnerships. Through our extensive networks, we connect you with relevant opportunities and potential institutional and civic partners to enrich your work.
- Want to enhance your engagement skills? We offer training designed to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to effectively develop and lead your own impactful civic engagement initiatives.
- Seeking a community of practice? We are dedicated to community-building, bringing together scholars from diverse methodological and disciplinary backgrounds, as well as connecting with schools and Erasmus initiatives. Join us to learn, share, and improve your civic engagement efforts alongside like-minded colleagues.
Connect with us
Get in touch with questions and ideas! Want to discuss opportunities for a research project or initiative? Want to expand your research impact and showcase innovative materials? Want to simply learn about our work? Contact us to start the conversation.
Join the network! Stay informed and get involved: Learn more about future initiatives, get involved, and join a growing network at EUR!
Contact info: chiara.stenico@eur.nl
Read more about our activities:
Exploring Citizen Science at EUR: Uniting Research and Community | Erasmus University Rotterdam
EUR-profile Strategy 2030 | Erasmus University Rotterdam Employees | Erasmus University Rotterdam (only EUR employees can access this link)
Exploring Open and Participatory Publishing through HumDrumPress | Erasmus University Rotterdam