Citizen scientists shape the future of collaborative research

As part of the European project ‘RIECS-Concept’, the OeAD Centre for Citizen Science organised the first exchange round at the beginning of October, in which collaborative researchers contributed their wishes and needs for a future research infrastructure. The twelve participants were and are active in various subject areas – their involvement ranged from nature observation and archaeology to the common good. During the workshop, the citizen scientists described how citizen science currently works for them and what barriers they perceive. In a creative exchange, they then formulated their wishes for what a future citizen science infrastructure should look like in order to improve participation. 

The results from the format are being incorporated directly into the concept development, which is being implemented in the Horizon project by thirteen partners, including the OeAD, in eight European countries. ‘RIECS-Concept’ began in January 2025 and will be funded by the European Union until December 2027. 

Further information on the project