Dialogue and support

In the past Scivil and Stickydot have been organising a series of thematic workshops together. Can one plainly say that both organisations are related and active in the same field of expertise? 

Marzia Mazzonetto: Yes - like Scivil, we want to improve, strengthen, and foster citizen science at a European level. We focus on training, networking, and capacity building. Three years ago we were involved in the set-up of an EU-funded European platform eu-citizen.science with training materials and networking opportunities. We create awareness and we place the enormous possibilities of citizen science in the spotlights. 
In continuation of that platform, we are now building ECS, European Citizen Science, a globally connected strong citizen science community. ECS will be an even greater platform. This project started in August 2022 and will last four years, 12 partners, 9 affiliated entities and 15 countries are involved. As part of this project, we will launch the ECS Academy with free training to increase the capacity to conduct citizen science. 

Michael Creek: Actually, you can look at Stickydot as a support mechanism, we focus on training, networking, and good practices. The dialogue which forms beyond the mere data collection during a citizen science project, that’s what we are looking for. We bring communities together and strengthen science engagement, we prefer to look at the bigger picture of science and society. 

Maria Zolotonosa: That’s why we are so intensely involved in policy support and policy development for the EU Commission. We have been involved in study visits for EU member states and have contributed to European policy making. Acting as a centre of expertise, we raise awareness, we advocate and investigate policy impact. As a matter of fact, when policy makers or ministries discover that a direct connection with researchers is possible through citizen science, they become really enthusiastic promoters. 

Leaving the bubble

Over the past decade the field of citizen science has evolved in a sense that we have gone beyond massive data collection towards tailored co-design, co-creation processes and community building. Are all partners at a national or European level aware of the full potential of citizen science? Are we there yet? 

Marzia Mazzonetto: For the last five years, on a national as well as a European level, we have seen a push for citizen science, it has been part of the Horizon 2020 programme on Science With And For Society. But in fact, no strict definition of citizen science has been formulated, any activity involving science and engaging citizens has been advocated, anything involving science and making life better. And making life better with science is the core value of our work too. 

Michael Creek: I’m a bit less optimistic - I think we still have a long way to go to evolve from huge, massive data collecting projects towards co-creation. But networking and sharing experiences certainly is helpful. The EUTOPIA European University Alliance for example has allowed citizen science initiatives to grow and flourish. We have been facilitating clinics with them where case studies function as role models within that alliance. 

Maria Zolotonosa: I agree, we must be aware that we are working in a bubble with partners that are already involved and convinced of the potential of citizen science. We need to leave our comfort zone and address those who are not currently using citizen science or science communication. Young researchers for example at PhD level, that’s why in the ECS project we decided to collaborate with Marie Curie Alumni Association. 

Co-creation, a default state

What would be your advice to scientists or coordinators who are about to kick off a new citizen science project?

Michael Creek: Meet with the relevant societal actors in your field, brainstorm early. Starting a project can be overwhelming but it pays off to look at the prominent actors (non-profit, administration) before launching your project, and work with them to shape your research question around societal needs. 

Maria Zolotonosa: Focus on what is in there for the citizens, clearly state your expectations, engage in smaller groups, look at the possible impact and outcome of your project and build your communication around it. 

What does the future of Stickydot look like? 

Marzia Mazzonetto: We really see the value of citizen engagement and we want to share our expertise with a wide range of allies. We want to reach out to universities, to business innovators, technology transfer offices and even big companies. We want to partner with these actors to change the way in which they engage with citizens. Co-creation must become a default state. In truth for the past two years, we have been doing that in the MOSAIC project, where we support numerous European cities in solving big challenges such as air quality or mobility to create more liveable cities. Tackling today’s societal challenges and transforming them into future opportunities through citizen science, that’s our goal.