Looking back on the Citizen Science Networking Day 2026
On 28 September, Scivil once again welcomed a vibrant community of citizen science enthusiasts to the fourth edition of the Citizen Science Networking Day. Held at Aeropolis in Brussels, the event brought together 193 participants for an inspiring day of talks, workshops, case studies and plenty of networking opportunities. With 48 speakers across 14 sessions, there was something to discover for both newcomers and experienced citizen science practitioners.
Themes and areas of expertise of Conversation Starter participants.
Thanks to the collaboration between Beweging.net, VITO and the VUB Citizen Science Contact Point, a diverse network once again came together. Researchers, policymakers, civil society organisations, heritage professionals and citizens exchanged experiences and explored the many possibilities of citizen science.
The programme covered a wide range of themes, including impactful communication, inclusion and diversity, biodiversity and the environment, cultural heritage, citizen science in the Global South, and policy impact. Participants shared experiences, discovered practical examples and gained new insights throughout the day.
Networking was also a key part of the day. Through Conversation Starter, 97 participants created a profile to connect with one another. Together, they posted 66 offers and 76 requests, ranging from expertise and collaboration opportunities to concrete project ideas. The platform will remain open for a while longer, allowing participants to continue connecting after the Network Day.
A heartfelt thank you to all participants, speakers, partners and volunteers who helped make this edition such a success. Thanks to your engaging contributions, valuable conversations and enthusiasm, we look back on a highly successful Network Day. We hope to see you again at the next edition!