Scivil visits Citizen Science Netherlands
On 14 and 15 April 2025, Scivil travelled to Leiden, the Netherlands, for a two-day working visit with our northern neighbours from Citizen Science Nederland (CS-NL). Much like Scivil, CS-NL is a small team of enthousiastic professionals, all committed to supporting ans strengthening the citizen science network.
Connecting ans sharing experiences
During our visit, we got to know the CS-NL team from both Leiden en Twente. We exchanged insights into how our respective networks operate and explored how citizen science is supportes in both Flanders and the Netherlands. It was truly inspiring to discover how much common ground we share, and how much we can learn from one another.
We returned home with a backpack full of ideas for new collaborations and knowledge exchange. Think joint events, practical tools for citizen science projects, and creative ways to reach and connect researchers and citizens even more effectively.
Counting and learning
Of course, we also rolled up our sleeves and took part in some citizen science ourselves. During our lunch break, we joined the Dutch National Bee Count (Nationale Bijentelling van Nederland). Alongside more than 3,500 other participants, we helped contribute to the impressive total of over 77,000 bees counted.
We also visited the inspiring Naturalis Biodiversity Center, where we learned more about their citizen science and public engagement efforts. The visit concluded with a tour of their impressive museum, a wonderful way to round off two fruitful days.
To be continued...
It was a successful and enriching trip, and one that definitely deserves a follow-up. The first plans for a return visit are already in the works. To be continued!
