Increasing research impact with citizen science: The influence of recruitment strategies on sample diversity

Despite the fact that citizen engagement in research is widely practised and regarded as one of the keys to maximizing the impact of research and innovation, empirical evidence on the value, potential and possibilities of engaging a broad diversity of citizens in practice is scant. The purpose of our article is twofold: (1) to provide more insight into the value and opportunities of engaging audiences that typically are not engaged with science and (2) to explore the effect of a targeted recruitment strategy versus a generic recruitment strategy on the profile, motivation and retainment of citizen science volunteers. Our empirical research is based on five citizen science projects in the domain of surface and drinking water research in the Netherlands. This article finds that using a targeted recruitment strategy, it is possible and worth to recruit a diverse sample of citizen science volunteers.

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Exploring citizen science in post-socialist space: Uncovering its hidden character in the Czech Republic

Moravian Geographical Reports ◽

10.2478/mgr-2019-0019 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (4) ◽

pp. 241-253 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Barbora Duží ◽

Robert Osman ◽

Jiří Lehejček ◽

Eva Nováková ◽

Pavel Taraba ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Czech Republic ◽

Citizen Science ◽

The Czech Republic ◽

The Public ◽

Public Representation ◽

Science Projects ◽

Definition Of ◽

High Level ◽

Search Approach ◽

Insight Into

Abstract Citizen science is a relatively new phenomenon in the Czech Republic and currently a general overview of existing citizen science projects is not available. This presents the challenge to uncover the ‘hidden’ citizen science landscapes. The main objective of this paper is to explore the (public) representation of citizen science (CS) projects and to describe their heterogeneity. The study aims to answer the question of what type of projects in the Czech Republic meet the definition of citizen science. Based on a specific methodological data-base search approach, we compiled a set of CS projects (N = 73). During the classification process, two general citizen science categories were identified. The first group (N = 46) consists of “pure” CS projects with a prevalence towards the natural sciences, principally ornithology, and thus corresponding to general European trends. Citizens usually participate in such research in the form of data collection and basic interpretation, and a high level of cooperation between academia and NGOs was detected. The second group of “potential” CS projects (N = 27) entails various forms of public participation in general, frequently coordinated by NGOs. Based on these results, we discuss the position of citizen science in the Czech Republic, including socially-oriented citizen science. Further research is strongly encouraged to achieve a more in-depth insight into this social phenomenon.

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Evaluating the implications of Brexit for research collaboration and policy: a network analysis and simulation study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025025 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. e025025

Author(s):

George Garas ◽

Isabella Cingolani ◽

Vanash M Patel ◽

Pietro Panzarasa ◽

Ara Darzi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Research Collaboration ◽

Research Impact ◽

Collaboration Network ◽

The European Union ◽

Short Term ◽

Research And Innovation ◽

Strategic Relationships ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact ◽

The Eu

ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of the European Union (EU) as a research collaborator in the UK’s success as a global leader in healthcare research and innovation and quantify the impact that Brexit may have.DesignNetwork and regression analysis of scientific collaboration, followed by simulation models based on alternative scenarios.SettingInternational real-world collaboration network among all countries involved in robotic surgical research and innovation.Participants772 organisations from industry and academia nested within 56 countries and connected through 2397 collaboration links.Main outcome measuresResearch impact measured through citations and innovation value measured through the innovation index.ResultsGlobally, the UK ranks third in robotic surgical innovation, and the EU constitutes its prime collaborator. Brokerage opportunities and collaborators’ geographical diversity are associated with a country’s research impact (c=211.320 and 244.527, respectively; p<0·01) and innovation (c=18.819 and 30.850, respectively; p<0·01). Replacing EU collaborators with US ones is the only strategy that could benefit the UK, but on the condition that US collaborators are chosen among the top-performing ones, which is likely to be very difficult and costly, at least in the short term.ConclusionsThis study suggests what has long been argued, namely that the UK-EU research partnership has been mutually beneficial and that its continuation represents the best possible outcome for both negotiating parties. However, the uncertainties raised by Brexit necessitate looking beyond the EU for potential research partners. In the short term, the UK’s best strategy might be to try and maintain its academic links with the EU. In the longer term, strategic relationships with research powerhouses, including the USA, China and India, are likely to be crucial for the UK to remain a global innovation leader.

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Analytical guidelines to increase the value of citizen science data: using eBird data to estimate species occurrence

10.1101/574392 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

A Johnston ◽

WM Hochachka ◽

ME Strimas-Mackey ◽

V Ruiz Gutierrez ◽

OJ Robinson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Data Processing ◽

Citizen Science ◽

Model Performance ◽

Species Distributions ◽

Ecological Knowledge ◽

Sample Sizes ◽

Science Data ◽

Science Projects ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Impact

AbstractCitizen science data are valuable for addressing a wide range of ecological research questions, and there has been a rapid increase in the scope and volume of data available. However, data from large-scale citizen science projects typically present a number of challenges that can inhibit robust ecological inferences. These challenges include: species bias, spatial bias, and variation in effort.To demonstrate addressing key challenges in analysing citizen science data, we use the example of estimating species distributions with data from eBird, a large semi-structured citizen science project. We estimate two widely applied metrics of species distributions: encounter rate and occupancy probability. For each metric, we assess the impact of data processing steps that either degrade or refine the data used in the analyses. We also test whether differences in model performance are maintained at different sample sizes.Model performance improved when data processing and analytical methods addressed the challenges arising from citizen science data. The largest gains in model performance were achieved with: 1) the use of complete checklists (where observers report all the species they detect and identify); and 2) the use of covariates describing variation in effort and detectability for each checklist. Occupancy models were more robust to a lack of complete checklists and effort variables. Improvements in model performance with data refinement were more evident with larger sample sizes.Here, we describe processes to refine semi-structured citizen science data to estimate species distributions. We demonstrate the value of complete checklists, which can inform the design and adaptation of citizen science projects. We also demonstrate the value of information on effort. The methods we have outlined are also likely to improve other forms of inference, and will enable researchers to conduct robust analyses and harness the vast ecological knowledge that exists within citizen science data.

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Citizen Science Addressing Challenges of Sustainability

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su132413980 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (24) ◽

pp. 13980

Author(s):

Aelita Skarzauskiene ◽

Monika Mačiulienė

Keyword(s):

Citizen Science ◽

Research Funding ◽

Quadruple Helix ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Supportive Environment ◽

Research And Innovation ◽

Science Projects ◽

Sustainability Challenges ◽

A Current ◽

Science Activities

Practices for the engagement of citizens and other research and innovation (R and I) stakeholders in science can be found aplenty in the existing literature, all along with principles, guidelines and tools providing meaningful guidance for practitioners in research funding and performing, organizations (RPFOs) and helping them achieve high quality and responsible citizen science projects addressing sustainability challenges. Such guidance, however, is scarce when it comes to setting up and running transdisciplinary citizen science eco systems, where projects can be systematically initiated by different stakeholders and carried out in a dedicated supportive environment. Based on literature review and series of semi-structured interviews with quadruple helix stakeholders in Lithuania, this paper provides a current overview of the perceptions, concerns, motivational factors, and obstacles with regard to participation in citizen science activities.

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Transformative Potential and Learning Outcomes of Air Quality Citizen Science Projects in High Schools Using Low-Cost Sensors

Atmosphere ◽

10.3390/atmos12060736 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 736

Author(s):

Sonja Grossberndt ◽

Antonella Passani ◽

Giulia Di Lisio ◽

Annelli Janssen ◽

Nuria Castell

Keyword(s):

High School Students ◽

Air Quality ◽

Citizen Science ◽

World View ◽

Low Cost ◽

Good Practice ◽

Sensor Systems ◽

Science Projects ◽

Transformative Potential ◽

The Impact

The rise of advanced ICT technologies has made it possible to apply low-cost sensor systems for measuring air quality in citizen science projects, including education. High school students in Norway used these sensor systems in a citizen science project to design, carry out, and evaluate their own research projects on air quality. An impact assessment framework was designed to assess the impact of these activities, considering five areas of impact: scientific, social, economic, political, and environmental. In addition, the framework also considers the transformative potential of the citizen science pilot, i.e., the degree to which the pilot can help to change, alter, or replace current systems, and the business-as-usual in one or more fields such as knowledge production or environmental protection. Data for this assessment were gathered in the form of questionnaires that the students had to complete before starting and after finalizing the pilot activities. The results showed positive impacts on learning, a pro-environmental world view, and an increase in pro-science attitudes and interest in scientific and environmental-related topics at the end of the pilot activities. Only weak impacts were measured for behavioral change. The activities showed transformative potential, which makes the student activities an example of good practice for citizen science activities on air quality with low-cost sensors.

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Collective health research assessment: Development of a tool to measure the impact of multi-stakeholder research initiatives

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1015262/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Anna-Aurora Kork ◽

Carla Antonini ◽

Nicolás García-Torea ◽

Mercedes Luque-Vílchez ◽

Ericka Costa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Research ◽

Research Impact ◽

Responsible Research And Innovation ◽

Research Assessment ◽

Research And Innovation ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Multi Stakeholder ◽

Research Initiatives ◽

The Impact ◽

Responsible Research

Abstract Background The need for measuring the impact of health research more collaboratively and from multi-dimensional perspectives has been acknowledged. As part of a Collective Research Impact Framework (CRIF), a scorecard was developed that will engage stakeholders in measuring the impacts of health research and innovation. The purpose of this study is to describe the developmental process of the MULTI-ACT Master Scorecard and how it can be used as a practical tool for assessing future responsible research and innovation actions collectively. Methods Based on an extensive review of the health research impact literature and multi-stakeholder initiatives, a total of 1,556 impact indicators were collected into a database. The Master Scorecard was then co-created by engaging key stakeholders and conducting semi-structured interviews with experts in the field. Results The MULTI-ACT Master Scorecard consists of five accountability dimensions: the excellence, efficacy, economic, social and patient-reported dimensions. The tool includes 126 potential indicators classified into 52 measurement aspects that are considered the most relevant topics applicable to multi-stakeholder research and innovation initiatives in assessing their impact based on their mission and stakeholders’ interests. The MULTI-ACT Master Scorecard allows the strategic management of multi-stakeholder research initiatives to demonstrate their research impact on people and society. The value of the tool is that it is comprehensive, customizable and easy to use. Conclusions The MULTI-ACT Master Scorecard is an example of how the views of society can be taken into account in assessing research impacts in a more sustainable and balanced way. The engagement of patients and other stakeholders is an integral part of the CRIF, facilitating collaborative decision-making in the design of policies and research agendas. In policy-making, the collective approach allows extending the evaluation perspective to the needs of society and toward responsible research and innovation. Multi-dimensionality fosters research and innovations to be more responsive to systemic challenges and developing more equitable and sustainable health services.

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Use of Smartphone Cameras and Other Applications While Traveling to Sustain Outdoor Cultural Heritage

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13137312 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (13) ◽

pp. 7312

Author(s):

Ana Slavec ◽

Nežka Sajinčič ◽

Vesna Starman

Keyword(s):

Cultural Heritage ◽

Citizen Science ◽

Heritage Conservation ◽

Additional Information ◽

Science Projects ◽

Cultural Heritage Conservation ◽

Heritage Protection ◽

Pokémon Go ◽

Citizen Science Project ◽

Insight Into

Outdoor cultural heritage is exposed to several detrimental factors, so involving people in its care can greatly help in its preservation. We conducted four focus groups with participants recruited through a screening questionnaire to find ways of including travelers in a citizen science project by learning about how they interact with monuments through photography, travel apps, and location-based games, as well as their preferences regarding these apps. Since people can be apprehensive about installing new apps, we also verified the potential of games like Geocaching and Pokémon Go for cultural heritage conservation. We found that monuments appear as a photographic motif if they allow for interaction, are part of a photogenic scene or the visitor is attracted to their story. Some use travel apps to get additional information about the sights and discover hidden sites. Since cultural heritage is frequently part of the Pokémon Go and Geocaching gameplay, there is significant potential to use these apps, not only for tourism, but also for citizen science projects involving cultural heritage. While descriptive in nature, these findings provide useful insight into how to combine ubiquitous devices, smart tourism, consumer behavior, and cultural heritage protection for a more sustainable future.

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Narratives as a mode of research evaluation in citizen science: understanding broader science communication impacts

Journal of Science Communication ◽

10.22323/2.16040203 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 16 (04) ◽

pp. A03 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Natasha Constant ◽

Liz Roberts

Keyword(s):

Citizen Science ◽

Science Communication ◽

Research Evaluation ◽

Communication Research ◽

Research Projects ◽

Self Reflection ◽

Narrative Methods ◽

Qualitative And Quantitative ◽

Science Projects ◽

The Impact

Science communicators develop qualitative and quantitative tools to evaluate the ‘impact’ of their work however narrative is rarely adopted as a form of evaluation. We posit narrative as an evaluative approach for research projects with a core science communication element and offer several narrative methods to be trialled. We use citizen science projects as an example of science communication research seeking to gain knowledge of participant-emergent themes via evaluations. Storied experience of participant involvement enhances understanding of context-based and often intangible processes, such as changing place-relations, values, and self-efficacy, by enabling a reflective space for critical-thinking and self-reflection.

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Exploring the impact of game framing and task framing on user participation in citizen science projects

Aslib Journal of Information Management ◽

10.1108/ajim-09-2018-0214 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 71 (2) ◽

pp. 260-280 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jian Tang ◽

Nathan R. Prestopnik

Keyword(s):

Citizen Science ◽

User Participation ◽

Survey Method ◽

Dual Nature ◽

Content Type ◽

Science Projects ◽

Perceived Enjoyment ◽

The Impact ◽

And Task ◽

User Contribution

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how game framing and task framing influence experienced meaningfulness (eudaimonia) and perceived enjoyment (hedonia), which, in turn, can account for user participation behavior in citizen science projects. Design/methodology/approach The authors designed and implemented a citizen science system, Citizen Sort, and used a survey method to investigate to what extent game framing and task framing influence participation behavior. PLS–SEM was used to test research hypotheses with 76 Citizen Sort participants. Findings Analysis confirmed that game framing and task framing have a significant impact on perceived enjoyment, but showed that only task framing has a direct effect on experienced meaningfulness. The effects of experienced meaningfulness on participation were fully mediated by perceived enjoyment. Content analysis of qualitative data revealed additional insights. Research limitations/implications This research is limited due to its sample size and considered as an exploratory study, in which PLS–SEM was used to identify the impact of game framing and task framing as well as support the theory development regarding the dual nature of citizen science games. Practical implications This research provided suggestions for scientists, designers and project initiators that game framing and task framing should be effectively integrated to provide enjoyable and meaningful experiences so as to promote user contribution. Originality/value This research is one of initial studies which explored the impact of dual nature of citizen science games. The findings of this study provide the groundwork for guidelines and strategies to facilitate user contribution in citizen science projects.

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Transformative Encounters and Uncanny Intimacies: Biotechnology and Contemporary Art – A Practitioner's Approach and Perspective

Somatechnics ◽

10.3366/soma.2012.0061 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 263-283 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Svenja J. Kratz

Keyword(s):

Tissue Culture ◽

Human Skin ◽

Contemporary Art ◽

Skin Equivalent ◽

Biomedical Innovation ◽

Equivalent Models ◽

Science Projects ◽

Insight Into ◽

Human Skin Equivalent

Abstract: Presented from an ArtScience practitioner's perspective, this paper provides an overview of Svenja Kratz's experience working as an artist within the area of cell and tissue culture at QUT's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI). Using The Absence of Alice, a multi-medium exhibition based on the experience of culturing cells, as a case study, the paper gives insight into the artist's approach to working across art and science and how ideas, processes, and languages from each discipline can intermesh and extend the possibilities of each system. The paper also provides an overview of her most recent artwork, The Human Skin Equivalent/Experience Project, which involves the creation of personal jewellery items incorporating human skin equivalent models grown from the artist's skin and participant cells. Referencing this project, and other contemporary bioart works, the value of ArtScience is discussed, focusing in particular on the way in which cross-art-science projects enable an alternative voice to enter into scientific dialogues and have the potential to yield outcomes valuable to both disciplines.

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