Educational practice of citizen science by ICT for the purpose of biodiversity conservation through domestic and international collaboration

Abstract

Citizen Science is on the rise. It involves members of the public taking part in research and collecting datasets that can be used by academic institutions and can help foster innovations. Numerous Citizen Science projects are underway in the UK and US but the concept isn't as widespread in Japan. In recent times, though, there have been efforts to engage the Japanese public in Citizen Science by demonstrating its benefits to society. Dr Hiromi Kobori, Tokyo City University, Japan, is exploring ways that Citizen Science innovations can boost the socialisation of science. This involves enabling open science and encouraging citizens to proactively engage in the scientific process. The idea is to involve citizens in multiple research processes and foster a sense of co-creation between citizens and scientists. Kobori's Citizen Science project is contributing to overcoming issues facing the natural and social environment and also involves the use of smartphones, which is an effective way to boost public involvement in science. Specifically, Kobori is involved in a project focusing on biodiversity and how its health can be restored and preserved. Her goal is to re-establish the connection between living things and nature and form a sustainable society.