Towards A Pan-European Research Infrastructure for Excellent Citizen Science The project’s key objectives include assessing the feasibility of developing a future research infrastructure by identifying and addressing current challenges and opportunities in citizen science. It aims to establish an open inventory of technological components and scientific resources, refine and connect them, and build a unified conceptual model. Additionally, the project will create a strategic roadmap to guide decision-makers in governance, sustainability, and long-term viability, co-designed with stakeholders to ensure the infrastructure meets their needs. Finally, the project emphasises participatory governance by engaging diverse stakeholders in co-design and road mapping activities, including scientists, policymakers, and the general public.
Project Information
Source of funding: EU Horizon Europe programme
Duration: 01/2025 – 12/2027
Website: under construction
Contact Bojan Kenig − bkenig@cpn.rs
Coordinator Ibercivis Foundation, Spain
Partners
European Citizen Science Association, Germany
Spanish National Research Council, Spain
Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation, Austria
Centre for Social Innovation, Austria
Ars Electronica, Austria
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Austria
Malmö University, Sweden
University of Milan-Bicocca, Italy
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VT), Lithuania
Citizen Science Global Partnership, Austria
Citizen Science Zurich − University of Zurich, Switzerland
Center for the Promotion of Science
Project Description
The RIECS-Concept project marks the beginning of an ambitious initiative to conceptualize a cutting-edge Research Infrastructure for Citizen Science. The RIECS-Concept project aims to design a conceptual model, feasibility study, and a five-year implementation plan. This effort will address technical, societal, and environmental challenges, creating a sustainable and collaborative research infrastructure to strengthen the role of citizen science in Europe. By bridging citizen-driven tools, such as apps and kits, with professional resources, RIECS-Concept seeks to integrate society as an active partner in research.
By addressing the fragmentation challenges in the citizen science landscape across Europe and globally, recognizing the evolving role of society as an active partner in scientific endeavors, and ensuring long-term sustainable development, RIECS-Concept will foster cross-disciplinary and multilevel collaboration. These efforts contribute to improving the quality of citizen science data and support initiatives striving for meaningful societal and scientific impacts.
The Role of CPN
The Center for the Promotion of Science actively contributes to the governance, stakeholder engagement, and communication aspects of the project. CPN is involved in organising workshops, facilitating stakeholder collaboration, and dissemination efforts to promote the citizen science infrastructure's goals and results.