Citizen Science Research Articles

From hard coal mining to a learning space for digitally supported participatory management of biodiversity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the conversion of the former coal mining site in Kamp-Lintfort into a public park and learning space for biodiversity. In 2020, an urban green space was established, featuring various aquatic and terrestrial habitats and a high level of biological diversity in the city centre with broad community support. Design/methodology/approach This study presents secondary data of a literature review on participatory management of biodiversity in urban green spaces, with a focus on the sustainability context, participation approaches, theoretical frameworks and the role of education. The example of Zechenpark Kamp-Lintfort (Germany) shows how urban green space development can meet the challenging demands of inner city development while fostering knowledge generation via citizen science and participatory biodiversity management. The study collected primary data on plant biodiversity using a citizen science approach to raise awareness and create opportunities for human–nature interaction. Findings Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 is the most important development goal in the context of participatory biodiversity management of urban green spaces. Most of the studies have a place-based focus and integration of local knowledge is the main reason for a participatory approach. The findings show how a green learning space can offer opportunities for digital learning as well as participatory biodiversity management in urban areas. The project lead to an increase in local citizens’ awareness of biodiversity. Based on a literature review, this report identifies challenges and opportunities for establishing a green learning space for biodiversity education. The example illustrates that an urban green space can provide numerous possibilities for citizens and students to get involved and that it can foster the sustainable development of a new urban neighbourhood. Research limitations/implications A place-based approach limits generalisability. To overcome this limitation, a literature review was conducted, and the location was compared to two parks with similar site conversion history. Practical implications The example of developing an urban green space can inspire universities to take an active role in biodiversity management in urban green spaces, integrating biodiversity into university activities and creating a positive impact in the urban environment. Social implications Analysis of studies in the field shows that education deserves a more prominent role in theoretical frameworks. Originality/value The study represents an example of transition and citizen-led participatory management of biodiversity from a medium-sized city, transformation processes covering these aspects are underrepresented in literature.

Reflecting on the practice of citizen science projects for cities – the case of ‘Colouring Dresden’ in Germany

ABSTRACT Citizen Science Projects (CSP) are emerging as innovative approaches to urban research and practice. This paper reports on the data-driven CSP ‘Colouring Dresden’ in Germany through the lens of Critical Data Studies (CDS). CDS-scholars urge CSP-partners to be aware of the ‘political nature’ of their projects. However, this claim requires some conceptual specification. In case of ‘Colouring Dresden’, the paper adopts a micro-oriented approach that emphasizes two key areas of reflection: 1) situating the CSP in institutionalized politics in Dresden and 2) paying more attention to the selectivity of the project agenda (‘framing selectively’). The paper ends with a suggestion for future research and practice.

Investigation of Antibiotic Resistance of E. coli Associated with Farm Animal Feces with Participation of Citizen Scientists

This paper presents the findings of a large-scale study on antibiotic resistance in bacteria found in farm animal feces across Russia. The study included 6578 samples of farm animal manure from 13 regions in Russia, with the help of citizen scientists. Molecular and microbiological methods were used to analyze 1111 samples of E. coli. The microbiological analysis focused on culturing the microorganisms present in the fecal samples on selective media for E. coli and evaluating the sensitivity of the bacteria to different antibiotics, including ampicillin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, cefotaxime, and ciprofloxacin. The molecular analysis involved isolating the genomic DNA of the bacteria and conducting PCR assays to detect the vanA, vanB, and mcr-1 antibiotic resistance genes. The results demonstrated significant differences in antibiotic sensitivity of the samples that are morphologically identical to E. coli from different regions. For example, 98.0% and 82.5% of E. coli and other fecal bacterial isolates from the Omsk and Vologda regions lacked antibiotic resistance genes, while 97.7% of samples from the Voronezh region possessed three resistance genes simultaneously. The phenotypic antibiotic sensitivity test also revealed regional differences. For instance, 98.1% of fecal bacterial samples from cattle in the Udmurt Republic were sensitive to all five antibiotics tested, whereas 92.8% of samples from the Voronezh region showed resistance to all five antibiotics. The high level of antibiotic resistance observed may be attributed to their use in farming practices. The distinctive feature of our research is that comprehensive geographical coverage was achieved by using a citizen science platform. Citizen scientists, specifically students from colleges and universities, were responsible for the collection and initial analysis of samples. The project attracted 3096 student participants, enabling the collection and analysis of a significant number of samples from various locations in Russia.

Fostering language awareness through Citizen Science: results and implications of a project with Polish teenagers doing language-related research

Fostering language awareness through Citizen Science: results and implications of a project with Polish teenagers doing language-related research

Comparison of macrolitter and meso- and microplastic pollution on French riverbanks and coastal beaches using citizen science with schoolchildren

Comparison of macrolitter and meso- and microplastic pollution on French riverbanks and coastal beaches using citizen science with schoolchildren

The use of Slovakia Hungarian dialects in social media

AbstractThis paper analyzes dialect-stylizing internet content on current events that depict Slovakia Hungarian dialects speakers. The regular display of dialect phenomena on social media platforms allows rapid spread, constant presence, and the possibility of comments. The figure of the dialect speaker, previously geographically bounded, can become a symbol of authenticity, accessible from anywhere in the world. The paper examines the importance of the views of lay language users and content creators in simple language management and citizen science in the contexts of the recognition of dialects, of their oral and written representation, and of the evaluation of languages and varieties.

The third record of Smicromyrmilla ariasi (André, 1896) (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) in the Iberian Peninsula

Mutillid wasps (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) are among the least known species in the biodiverse Iberian Peninsula, in particular those in the primitive subfamily Ticoplinae. Smicromyrmilla ariasi (André, 1896) is hitherto known only from females, and within Iberia by only two specimens, including the holotype. One female mutillid wasp photographed in the foothills of southwestern Sierra Nevada (Granada, Spain) was later identified in a citizen science internet platform as S. ariasi, constituting the third record for the Iberian Peninsula.

Human and predator presence shape diel activity of urban red squirrels

In urban areas, wildlife has to adapt to human presence and novel predators such as pet species, including the altered conditions of the environment. In such novel settings, the timing of activity is crucial to minimize the risk of mortality. To do so, species may reduce total activity time by increasing activity peaks at specific moments or shifting activity times. We analyzed camera trap data from a citizen science project over four project phases, including spring and autumn before and during the SARS-CoV-2 lockdown, to understand the effects of human, pet (cat, dog), and predator (marten) presence on the activity patterns of urban red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris; hereafter ‘squirrel’). We examined squirrel activity at seasonal and hourly resolutions in relation to human, garden, urban, and predator factors. We considered human presence as both a direct effect of lockdown and an indirect disturbance measured through urban variables. Results show that direct human presence during lockdown increased squirrel activity intensity in both seasonal and hourly patterns without reducing total activity time. Predator presence affected timing of activity, decreasing total daily activity. Pets, like cats, decreased activity at both resolutions, while martens had a limited effect detected only at the hourly resolution. During lockdown, squirrels may have increased their activity in gardens due to more anthropogenic resources (food or nesting material), but constant threats from pets force them to avoid certain areas despite the benefits. This highlights the delicate balance squirrels must maintain in adapting to human-altered environments while managing predation risks.

Bridging Knowledge and Data Gaps in Odonata Rarity: A South Korean Case Study Using Multispecies Occupancy Models and the Rabinowitz Framework

Accurate assessment of species rarity and conservation status requires an approach that integrates data-driven models with established ecological knowledge. In this study, we applied multispecies occupancy (MSO) and latent factor multispecies occupancy (LFMSO) models to estimate the occurrence of 133 Odonata species in South Korea. Using the model outputs, we implemented the Rabinowitz rarity framework to conduct data-based rarity assessments, which were then compared with known ecological information, including geographic ranges, habitat preferences, regional Red List statuses, and citizen science observations. Our findings reveal both alignments and discrepancies between these data-driven rarity assessments and traditional ecological knowledge. For example, species classified as near threatened (NT) or vulnerable (VU) on the regional Red List generally corresponded with high-rarity classifications based on the Rabinowitz framework. However, significant inconsistencies were identified, particularly for certain lentic Odonata species traditionally considered common. These results suggest that spatial biases in field surveys, combined with limited access to data on legally protected species, can impede accurate rarity assessments. These findings underscore the need for standardized survey protocols and improved data-sharing policies for sensitive species to reduce biases and enhance the reliability of rarity assessments. This is essential for effective conservation planning and biodiversity management in freshwater ecosystems.

Slow and diverse: Upslope expansion of tree species since 1854 in the Bavarian Alps (Germany) detected by citizen science

ABSTRACT We motivated mountain hikers to survey high-altitude occurrences of selected tree and shrub species in the Bavarian Alps in a citizen science portal and compared the observations with historical data collected by the botanist Otto Sendtner at the end of the Little Ice Age. For nine of ten species with sufficient numbers of historical and citizen science observations, currently uppermost outpost occurrences were verified after data curation and subsampling. Tree species of montane (Sorbus aucuparia: 342 m, Abies alba: 324 m, Acer pseudoplatanus: 273 m, Fagus sylvatica: 141 m) and of lower subalpine distribution (Betula pubescens: 278 m, Picea abies: 55 m) climbed significantly, whereas species found at the high subalpine tree line ecotone ascended less (Pinus mugo: 21 m, Larix decidua: 13 m, Alnus alnobetula: 6 m) or even appeared to lose elevation (Pinus cembra: −57 m). We explain the gap between realized and potential upslope shift of ca. 500 m suggested by the thermal elevation gradient by the lack of mature soils at high altitudes and low summit heights in the Bavarian Alps.

Discovering spider fly (Diptera: Acroceridae) hosts and their biology using citizen science

Discovering spider fly (Diptera: Acroceridae) hosts and their biology using citizen science

Instagram data for validating Nothofagus pumilio distribution mapping in the Southern Andes: A novel ground truthing approach

The availability of valid, non-biased species occurrence data has always been a major challenge for biodiversity research and modelling studies. Data from open-source databases or remote sensing are promising approaches to increase the availability of species occurrence data. However, these data may contain spatial, temporal, and taxonomic biases or require ground truthing. In recent years, social media has received attention for its contribution to species occurrence data sampling and ground truthing approaches. The wide reach of social media platforms allows for rapid and large-scale analyses. Here we introduce a novel Instagram ground truthing approach to validate the occurrence mapping of Nothofagus pumilio across its entire distribution range. The treeline species of the southern Andes has been extensively studied in small-scale studies, but large-scale modelling approaches are largely missing due to limited accessibility to treeline sites resulting in a lack of occurrence data. The content posted on the social media platform Instagram consists of images and videos in which the species N. pumilio and its location can be identified. By searching for suitable posts using hashtags and location tags, we created 1238 Instagram ground truthing points. We compared the performance of our dataset with open-source data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) through visual, quantitative, and bias analyses, acknowledging that both social media-based and Citizen Science data are subject to sampling and spatial biases due to collection in human-accessible areas. The Instagram ground truthing points were subsequently used to validate remote sensing occurrence data, generated using Sentinel-2 level 2A data and Supervised Classification. The combined approach – Instagram ground truthing and remote sensing – allows for the collection of occurrence data over the entire latitudinal range of N. pumilio, covering approximately 2000 km. The use of social media content provides potentially important contributions to species occurrence data sampling and ground truthing In our study we introduce a novel ground truthing approach for species occurrence data sampling based on Instagram data Instagram ground truthing points, combined with Supervised Classification generate species occurrence data of Nothofagus pumilio over its entire distribution range in the southern Andes The performance of the Instagram ground truthing points is evaluated by comparison with existing data from the GBIF database. Our Instagram ground truthing approach demonstrates a new way of sampling species occurrence data and can be applied to other suitable species and study areas.

Youth Engagement in Water Quality Monitoring: Uncovering Ecosystem Benefits and Challenges

A youth-centric participatory mapping approach was employed to monitor the lower Mill Creek, an urban waterway located in Cincinnati, Ohio, by collecting geospatial data points on surface water quality and ecological assets. Utilizing the ArcGIS Field Maps application, a digital survey-based tool was developed to identify key areas related to ecological assets and urban water management challenges. The purpose of this citizen science approach was to allow researchers to capture and understand community perspectives and insights while engaging in scientific research that focuses on identifying geographic vulnerability areas and ecological assets. The primary objective was to empower local community groups and residents in an environmental justice neighborhood to understand the current opportunities and constraints of the adjacent waterbody, enabling informed decision-making for future planning initiatives that benefit both conservation and remediation efforts aligned with local values and needs. A youth-centric participatory mapping approach was employed to monitor the lower Mill Creek, an urban waterway in Cincinnati, Ohio, through the collection of geospatial data on surface water quality and ecological assets. The findings, based on hotspot analysis, revealed significant spatial clustering of heavy debris near the barrier dam and the lower portion of Mill Creek, where it converges with the Ohio River. This accumulation is attributed to the structural features of the barrier dam’s inner flood catchment area, which traps debris during rainfall events. Although no areas showed spatial significance for perceived ecological services, students identified specific areas with esthetic and biodiversity value, particularly at Mill Creek’s confluence with the Ohio River and along the northern stretch of the stream corridor. These findings provide valuable insights for guiding future conservation and remediation efforts that reflect both community values and environmental priorities.

Teacher experiences and understanding of citizen science in Australian classrooms

Citizen science represents an important opportunity for school students to make real-world connections with science through context-based learning with the potential to increase their engagement, enjoyment and understanding of science. However, to date, citizen science has not experienced wide uptake in school settings and there is a paucity of information about its implementation in the classroom. Here we present a mixed-method approach investigating teachers’ knowledge and use of citizen science in Australian classrooms. We explored teachers’ experience and perceptions of citizen science, and opportunities and barriers to incorporate citizen science as an educational approach through an online questionnaire. Among the teachers surveyed, 45% (n = 295) had personally participated in citizen science outside of school and 41% (n = 283) had incorporated citizen science projects in classroom lessons. Teachers (45%, n = 295) reported participating in citizen science initiatives multiple times. Also, most projects that teachers were involved in (77%, n = 292) were related to ecological studies, such as species monitoring. Citizen science was reported to be a relatively new approach; used by teachers for less than a year on average. The main challenges included a lack of knowledge, time, confidence, and clarity regarding citizen science project alignment with the Australian curriculum. Additionally, 92% of respondents said they would be more encouraged to use citizen science in classrooms if projects were aligned to the curriculum. Identifying ways to increase teachers’ openness to incorporate citizen science in their classrooms is crucial to its successful widespread, long-term, and meaningful implementation. Encouraging broader participation of teachers in citizen science based on their previous experiences could address their expectations and increase their confidence and feeling of ownership. These research findings suggest that meaningful and applicable citizen science programs could be co-created by addressing resource limitations and curriculum alignment challenges. Implementing solutions to these barriers is likely to contribute to the development of sustainable school-inclusive citizen science projects, with potential to positively impact science education in the long-term.

Optimization of Space Data Development and Distribution and Capacity Building in the Philippines through the PhilSA Integrated Network for Space Enabled Actions towards Sustainability (PINAS) Project

Abstract. The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) implemented the PhilSA Integrated Network for Space Enabled Actions towards Sustainability (PINAS) to establish an active network of institutions and citizen scientists that will work together to utilize space data and information in support of the sustainable development agenda. The project was conceptualized to address the inherent challenge in gathering feedback, disseminating space data and information, and conducting capacity building initiatives in an archipelagic nation. The project will be conducted in three (3) phases, Phase 1: Network Building, Phase 2: Capacity Building, and Phase 3: Build Up and Expansion. This paper highlights the initial activities and preliminary assessment of the PINAS Project. The results of the initial activities illustrate the potential of the project in optimizing data products and its distribution processes, and in strengthening local capacity to use space data and information. This contributes to the development of effective capacity building initiatives and efficient space data optimization and data-sharing workflows in the country.

How can digital citizen science approaches improve ethical smartphone use surveillance among youth: Traditional surveys versus ecological momentary assessments

Ubiquitous use of smartphones among youth poses significant challenges related to non-communicable diseases, including poor mental health. Although traditional survey measures can be used to assess smartphone use among youth, they are subject to recall bias. This study aims to compare self-reported smartphone use via retrospective modified traditional recall survey and prospective Ecological Momentary Assessments (EMAs) among youth. This study uses data from the Smart Platform, which engages with youth as citizen scientists. Youth (N = 77) aged 13–21 years in two urban jurisdictions in Canada (Regina and Saskatoon) engaged with our research team using a custom-built application via their own smartphones to report on a range of behaviours and outcomes on eight consecutive days. Youth reported smartphone use utilizing a traditional validated measure, which was modified to capture retrospective smartphone use on both weekdays and weekend days. In addition, daily EMAs were also time-triggered over a period of eight days to capture prospective smartphone use. Demographic, behavioural, and contextual factors were also collected. Data analyses included t-test and linear regression using Python statistical software. There was a significant difference between weekdays, weekends and overall smartphone use reported retrospectively and prospectively (p-value = <0.001), with youth reporting less smartphone use via EMAs. Overall retrospective smartphone use was significantly associated with not having a part-time job (β = 139.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 34.759, 244.519, p-value = 0.010) and having more than two friends who are physically active (β = -114.72, 95%[CI] = -208.872, -20.569, p-value = 0.018). However, prospective smartphone use reported via EMAs was not associated with any behavioural and contextual factors. The findings of this study have implications for appropriately understanding and monitoring smartphone use in the digital age among youth. EMAs can potentially minimize recall bias of smartphone use among youth, and other behaviours such as physical activity. More importantly, digital citizen science approaches that engage large populations of youth using their own smartphones can transform how we ethically monitor and mitigate the impact of excessive smartphone use.

‘From women for women’: A citizen science approach engaging women in the isolation and application of the vaginal health-associated bacterium Lactobacillus crispatus

A vaginal microbiome rich in Lactobacillus crispatus is associated with good reproductive and sexual health outcomes. Dysbiosis, indicated by the loss of Lactobacillus crispatus, is a risk factor for urogenital infections, such as the clinical diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) or urinary tract infections. While many scientists have explored probiotics using a conventional pharmaceutical approach, concerns about accessibility and affordability prompt an investigation into a preventive approach using this naturally occurring bacterium. Our study aimed to explore a potential woman-friendly vaginal probiotic product using the naturally occurring bacterium, Lactobacillus crispatus. Citizen scientists actively participated in a two-day practicum and successfully performed the procedures using self-collected vaginal swabs. The practicum received positive responses from participants who demonstrated notable engagement and enthusiasm. With expert guidance, participants without a laboratory background were able to execute assigned tasks successfully. From the Dutch crispatus Citizen Science Collective of 48 women, 22 succeeded in isolating their own Lactobacillus crispatus strains using a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) protocol for identification. Additionally, 48 metagenomes and 54 whole genomes from 22 individuals were sequenced for comparative analysis. This project effectively engaged a community of women in the isolation of Lactobacillus crispatus strains from their vaginal microbiota, followed by in vitro characterization experiments and a hackathon for the development of a probiotic product. Our citizen science approach opens up collaboration possibilities and new avenues for exploration of vaginal health, facilitating community involvement and the development of targeted interventions to enhance women’s well-being.

(Dis)connected by design? Using participatory citizen science to uncover environmental determinants of social connectedness for youth in under-resourced neighbourhoods

Abstract Background Social isolation and loneliness are a growing public health concern. Inadequacies in neighbourhood social infrastructure can undermine social connectedness, particularly for youth, who are dependent on their local environments yet often marginalized from public spaces and city planning. Integrating citizen science with participatory action research, the Youth.hood study set out to explore how neighbourhood built environments help or hinder social connectedness from the understudied perspective of youth in under-resourced and racialized communities. Methods Youth (n = 42) from three neighbourhoods in Vancouver, Canada were recruited to: (1) Assess environmental assets and barriers to connectedness in their neighbourhoods using a digital photovoice app; (2) Analyze and prioritize their collective data into themes; and (3) Design and advocate for environmental improvements through a participatory workshop and forum with residents, city planners, and elected officials. Data on participant characteristics and neighbourhood perceptions were collected via an online survey and analyzed descriptively. Participatory analysis was conducted with youth using methods from thematic analysis, photovoice, and design thinking. Results Youth captured 227 environmental features impacting their connectedness. The most frequently reported assets were parks and nature (n = 39, 17%), including formal and informal green spaces, and food outlets (n = 25, 11%). Top barriers included poor neighbourhood aesthetics (n = 14, 6%) and inadequate streets and sidewalks (n = 14, 6%). Thematic analysis with youth underscored four themes: (1) Connecting through mobility: The fun and functionality of getting around without a car; (2) The power of aesthetics: Mediating connections to people and place; (3) Retreating to connect: Seeking out social and restorative spaces for all; and (4) Under-resourced, not under-valued: Uncovering assets for sociocultural connection. Youth described their local environments as affording (or denying) opportunities for physical, emotional, and cultural connection at both an individual and community level. Conclusion Our findings extend evidence on key environmental determinants of social connectedness for youth, while highlighting the potential of community design to support multiple dimensions of healthy social development. Additionally, this work demonstrates the resilience and agency of youth in under-resourced settings, and underscores the importance of honouring assets, co-production, and intergenerational planning when working to advance healthy, connected, and youthful cities.

Exploring the Role of Tools and Technologies in Enhancing Human Knowledge Acquisition: The Flora of Cambodia as a Pilot Project.

The globalization of the world profoundly impacts the academic and scientific domains. Technological advances have enabled an immeasurable progress in many scientific fields, for example structural or functional genomics, bioinformatics or even the development of artificial intelligence, which is becoming a catalyst for disciplines such as taxonomy. However, we are witnessing an unprecedented paradox. We have entered a period described as the 6th mass extinction (e.g., Ceballos et al. 2015, Ceballos et al. 2020, Cowie et al. 2022), where biodiversity has been in decline for many years because of anthropogenic activity (Myers et al. 2000, Sachs et al. 2009, Butchart et al. 2010) and yet, techniques have never been so advanced (e.g., online databases, metabarcording and eDNA identification methods). They produce a deluge of results and data that must be managed to facilitate their access and re-use and benefit to all users, i.e., scientists and stake-holders or policy makers on a global scale. Currently, the flora of Cambodia is part of the Flora of Cambodia, Laos and Viêt-nam*1 and is jointly edited by the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh and the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle in Paris since 2013. Given Cambodia's historical ties to French Indochina, France's long-term presence has significantly contributed to the documentation of Cambodia's biodiversity. The largest collection of Cambodian specimens is housed at the Paris Herbarium. The Flora of Cambodia project (Ung 2023) started in 2023 as a pilot project for testing the effectiveness of different open tools developped for taxonomists, e.g., the echinopscis platform*2 developped at the Royal Botanical Garden Kew; Bionomia*3; data made available online through platforms such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, Atlas of Living Australia, and World Flora Online. Other sources will also be used, like publications (Joyce et al. 2020) and "les herbonautes"*4, a citizen science platform. The short-term result is to produce a checklist of the vascular plants of Cambodia in multiple languages including Khmer. This project aligns with the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) (Wilkinson et al. 2016) and CARE (Collective benefit, Authority to control, Responsability, Ethics) (Carroll et al. 2020) principles.

Validating The Philippine Mangrove Map 2023 through Capacity Building and Crowdsourcing

Abstract. Mangroves are crucial coastal ecosystems. They provide numerous ecological and socio-economic benefits – shoreline protection, carbon sequestration, food security, and biodiversity conservation. The Philippine Mangrove Map 2023, generated through Machine Learning, improves understanding, accounting, and conserving these vital habitats. However, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of maps is imperative for informed decision-making and effective conservation efforts. Various validation methods were reviewed to develop a nationwide approach integrating practicality and statistical rigor, incorporating multiple data sources such as satellite and airborne imagery and GPS points from the government, civil society, and citizens. Capacity building enabled large-scale citizen science collaboration to gather quality datasets and foster reciprocal learning between scientists and local citizens. This collaborative effort aims to improve the quality of datasets and ultimately enhance the accuracy of the Philippine Mangrove Map 2023 and succeeding mangrove extents maps.