Abstract
As citizen science projects increase in number, scope and relevance to policy, the conduct of the underlying research is likely to come under greater scrutiny, particularly if any resulting research findings are to be regarded as legitimate. Among the most important aspects of research ethics scrutiny is the handling of data. The ever-increasing attention to the data protection rights of citizens can be seen across research domains, from health to environmental impacts. Careful attention to data protection is essential to the sustainability of citizen science for practical reasons as well. Complying with data protection laws is not optional. It is a legal requirement. Failure to meet the requirements can result in substantial fines, which most citizen science projects can ill afford. Moreover, the scientific, political and legal viability of citizen science hinges on getting data protection right. This article sets out some of the key data protection considerations that commonly arise in conducting a citizen science project.
Highlights
As citizen science projects increase in number,[1] scope and relevance to policy, the conduct of the underlying science is likely to come under greater scrutiny
We have selected a few issues at different stages of a citizen science project to highlight that data protection is an ongoing process – one that starts in the planning, before the project begins, and continues even after the project ends
It should be clear that data protection is not something to be left to the lawyers
Summary
As citizen science projects increase in number,[1] scope and relevance to policy, the conduct of the underlying science is likely to come under greater scrutiny. Among the purported benefits of citizen scientists is that it empowers laypersons to take an active role in knowledge production, thereby ‘democratizing’ science, a traditionally closed activity reserved for professionals With this more inclusive approach to science comes additional responsibilities. Depending on the type of citizen science, whether bottom-up (with questions, goals and methods originating from a community of laypersons) or institution-led projects that recruit laypersons to collect or contribute data, or some combination in between, citizen scientists may find themselves with some or all of the responsibilities of an institutional principal investigator.[2] In a sense, the citizen scientist takes on the dual role of ‘participant’ and ‘researcher’ when taking an active role in directing the research. Citizen scientists benefit themselves and their projects by having some understanding of what goes into setting up a data-responsible project
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