Citizen science is scientific research conducted (in part) by non-professional scientists (citizen scientists). Citizen scientists often work with or under the guidance of professional scientists.

Citizen science is a very valuable method of scientific research because it not only generates new scientific knowledge, but can also produce spectacular results in terms of science-based policy, community building and science education.

There are different types of citizen science:

• There is research where volunteers help scientists perform certain scientific tasks such as observations, data collection or analysis.
• There are also co-creation projects. Here citizens not only collect data, they also collaborate with scientists in determining research questions, implementing solutions or communicating results.
• Citizens can also take the initiative to start their own scientific research, with or without the involvement of professional scientists. We then speak of bottom-up citizen science. Read more about citizen science here.

Read more about our vision on citizen science in our vision statement. 

Scivil builds bridges for better citizen science. As the Flemish knowledge center for citizen science, Scivil is a catalyst and matchmaker, bringing together all parties and required tools for strong citizen science projects. Scivil promotes, connects, supports and innovates citizen science.

Read more about Scivil.

In 2017 the Flemish government gave the Roger Van Overstraeten Society (RVO) a mandate to start up a knowledge centre on citizen science. In January 2018, Scivil was founded. RVO-Society is the umbrella organisation of Scivil and Brightlab, the education laboratory that develops STEM lessons for schools. RVO-Society is (partially) funded by the department EWI of the Flemish government. The offices of RVO-Society, Scivil and Brightlab share the location with the offices of imec in Leuven.

The name 'Scivil' is a contraction of the words 'science' and 'civil'. It symbolises the close bond between scientists and citizens.

That intertwining is also visible in the Scivil logo; the S in Science is made up of the same shape as the C in Civil.

Scivil stays up to date with the latest citizen science news in Flanders and beyond, so we can certainly give you an idea of where to start! 

However, it is best to also check out iedereenwetenschapper.be (in Dutch). This website offers a large database of citizen scientists in Belgium, the Netherlands and other countries. The search tool will help you find specific projects, subjects, and even locations (at home, in school...). 

Absolutely! You can send a draft of your application to info@scivil.be. We will take a look at the citizen science aspect of your research and offer advice on how to approve your application.

Or better yet, contact Scivil before you start writing your application, so that we can offer suggestions and ideas right from the start!