Carmen Siller und Samire Gurgurovci, ZSI Wien

online

Introduction to Citizen Science

Citizen science involves lay people as co-researchers in research processes. They contribute by helping to collect large amounts of data or by offering their perspective as individuals directly affected. They also contribute their specialist knowledge acquired during leisure activities – for example, through birdwatching, or in their respective jobs. Citizen scientists may be involved in a research project for a short period or over an extended duration.

Participants in the seminar will receive an introduction to what citizen science is, learn about examples of good practice and which recruitment and communication strategies are helpful when designing a citizen science initiative. In addition, the seminar offers practical tips for the implementation of Citizen Science and room for questions.

The seminar is part of the series "Participatory Research". Participation in this seminar only is possible. Participants of all seminars of the series will get a certificate.

The Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI) is a trans-disciplinary social science research institute based in Vienna, Austria. ZSI specializes in both quantitative and qualitative social science studies. The institute's core areas of expertise include social innovation, international cooperation, open science, techno-globalization, and responsible research and innovation (RRI). ZSI is actively engaged in numerous Citizen Science projects and facilitates mutual learning activities, conducts impact assessments, and promotes stakeholder and citizen engagement.

Carmen Siller has a background in applied language and cultural studies and over 20 years of project management experience. Since joining ZSI in 2005, she has led various projects on topics such as migrant entrepreneurship, pandemic learning, gender equality, and Citizen Science. From 2021 until 2023, she was responsible for the Citizen Science project 'STEP Change,' implementing the 'Mutual Learning and Training' work package. This involved developing interactive training concepts to support five international partner organizations in their Citizen Science projects across energy, environment, and health.

Samire Gurgurovci studied Cross-Disciplinary Strategies and holds a master’s degree in human rights. She has been with ZSI since January 2023. Between October 2023 and April 2024, she contributed to the Citizen Science project 'STEP Change,' particularly focusing on the final Mutual Learning Event, which emphasized the interdisciplinary aspects of Citizen Science initiatives.

Together, Carmen and Samire delivered webinars and workshops on Citizen Science to various target groups, e.g. in the frame or the CORYA project in Albania.