While there are many science education programs for children and young people and citizen science projects with schools have been established for many years via the BMBWF's "Sparkling Science" (2007-2019) and current "Sparkling Science 2.0" funding programs, older people are often not explicitly addressed and reached. At the same time, engagement and social participation are also important in the post-professional phases of life. The knowledge and perspective of older people is relevant for many research topics. In addition, retirement can be an opportunity to pursue interests for which there was little time before.
But what opportunities are there for older people who want to get involved in science? How can barriers to access be removed? And how can researchers reach and involve older citizen scientists?
The OeAD Center for Citizen Science's online panel discussion on 18 December 2023 addressed these and other questions, with Katharina Heimerl (University of Vienna), Ingrid Hurtl (Trusted Spotter Network), Marie Niederleithinger (Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft), Christian Peer (Vienna University of Technology) and Andrea Prittmann (Zuse Computer Museum) contributing examples from their work and involvement. Whether urban planning, sociology, meteorology or digitalisation - there are no limits to the topics in which older people can get involved.
Specific examples, experiences and tips from the experts can be heard in the recording of the discussion. The event language was German.
