Other meanings of Citizen science
Science & Society
Citizen science is scientific research conducted, in whole or in part, by non-professional scientists, often volunteers who collect, analyze, or classify data under the guidance of professional researchers. It spans disciplines from astronomy to ecology, and has grown rapidly with digital platforms and mobile technology.
Citizen science involves public participation in scientific research, often in data collection, analysis, or problem-solving. The term was popularized in the 1990s by sociologist Alan Irwin and science writer Rick Bonney, though the practice predates the label. Projects range from bird counts to galaxy classification, and can be contributory, collaborative, or co-created, with varying degrees of public involvement.1
Citizen science is distinct from 'community science' or 'participatory action research' in that it typically focuses on scientific questions rather than community-driven advocacy, though overlaps exist. It is also differentiated from 'crowdsourcing' by its explicit scientific purpose and often formal collaboration with researchers.2
Citizen science has deep historical roots, with early examples including the Christmas Bird Count, initiated by the National Audubon Society in 1900, and the cooperative weather observations of the 19th century. The term 'citizen scientist' appeared in the 1970s in the context of public participation in environmental monitoring.3
The modern era began with the rise of the internet, enabling large-scale projects like SETI@home (1999) and Galaxy Zoo (2007), which later became the Zooniverse platform. These projects demonstrated the power of distributed volunteer computing and classification, leading to a proliferation of online citizen science initiatives.4
Citizen science projects employ diverse methodologies, from passive data collection via smartphone apps to active participation in experimental design. Platforms like Zooniverse host hundreds of projects, while apps such as iNaturalist and eBird enable millions of observations. These platforms often incorporate gamification and feedback mechanisms to sustain volunteer engagement.5
Data quality is a key concern, addressed through training, validation protocols, and statistical methods. For example, eBird uses expert review and automated filters to flag unusual sightings, while Zooniverse projects often use multiple classifications per item to ensure accuracy.
Citizen science has produced significant scientific outcomes, including the discovery of new celestial objects, tracking of disease outbreaks, and monitoring of biodiversity. For instance, volunteers have discovered new pulsars and exoplanets, and have contributed to the mapping of the human gut microbiome.6
In ecology, citizen science data have informed conservation policies, such as the North American Breeding Bird Survey, which relies on volunteers. In public health, projects like Flu Near You have tracked influenza spread, demonstrating the potential for early warning systems.7
Citizen science faces challenges including data quality, volunteer retention, and ethical concerns about data ownership and privacy. Critics argue that some projects exploit free labor without adequate recognition or benefit to participants. Additionally, the term 'citizen' may exclude non-citizens, leading to calls for more inclusive language.1
Efforts to address these issues include developing best practices, such as the Ten Principles of Citizen Science, and fostering co-created projects where volunteers are involved in all stages. The field is also grappling with issues of equity and access, ensuring that participation is open to diverse communities.2
Beyond the well-known projects, citizen science has niche applications: in archaeology, volunteers have helped identify ancient sites from satellite imagery; in astronomy, they have classified solar storms; and in oceanography, they have monitored microplastics. The term 'citizen science' was used as early as 1989 in a report by the UK's Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.3
Notable figures include the amateur astronomer William Herschel, who discovered Uranus, and the ornithologist Margaret Morse Nice, who conducted pioneering studies of song sparrows with the help of amateur birdwatchers. The Zooniverse platform has also spawned spin-off projects like 'Planet Hunters' and 'Snapshot Serengeti', each with unique volunteer communities.4
This article focuses on the sense of citizen science as scientific research conducted by non-professional scientists.
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