Citizen science
Citizen science is a participatory approach to scientific research that invites non-scientists to actively contribute to research projects, from data collection to analysis and sometimes even formulating research questions. This approach democratizes science by making it more accessible and valuing everyone's knowledge and skills. It significantly expands the range of observations and data available, thereby opening the door to unexpected discoveries and innovations.
Citizen science is a participatory research method that involves the general public in the scientific process, from data collection to analysis, in order to expand knowledge and solve complex problems.
Citizens can participate in citizen science in multiple ways. Projects can range from simple observation and recording of natural phenomena, such as bird counting or air quality measurement, to more technical contributions requiring the use of specific equipment or data collection software. Mobile technologies and dedicated applications greatly facilitate these participations by making scientific protocols accessible and simplifying the transmission of collected data to project databases.
The main challenge of citizen science lies in the quality of the collected data. Participant training and the design of simple and clear protocols are crucial to ensure the reliability of the gathered information. Moreover, this approach strengthens the link between science and society by raising public awareness of current scientific issues and promoting a culture of curiosity and civic engagement. It also provides professional researchers with a volume of data otherwise unattainable, enabling large-scale or long-term studies.
Among the examples of citizen science projects is "Limoilair," an initiative aimed at measuring air quality in different regions through sensors distributed to citizens. This type of project perfectly illustrates how public participation can provide valuable data on local environmental issues, thereby contributing to the development of better informed and more effective public policies.
Citizen science proves that collaboration between scientists and citizens can generate important knowledge, solve complex problems, and accelerate scientific progress. By participating in these projects, citizens not only contribute to research; they become an integral part of it, learning, sharing, and acting for the good of their community and society as a whole.