What is citizen science?

Citizen science is science led by the public and refers to the involvement of ordinary people, or “citizens,” in scientific research and data collection. In these projects, volunteers who may not have formal scientific training actively participate in gathering information, conducting experiments, or analysing data alongside professional scientists. This collaborative approach not only allows researchers to tap into the collective power of a larger and more diverse group, but also infuses the scientific process with the genuine enthusiasm and dedication of citizen scientists. Together, they broaden the scope of data collection across expansive geographical areas or timeframes beyond the reach of a small team of scientists.

Fundamentally, public led science empowers individuals driven by their passion for a particular field to contribute significantly to scientific knowledge and understanding.

Why Health and Wellbeing?

Traditionally, public led science has primarily been applied to environmental and ecological scientific pursuits, where many eyes are needed to monitor a defined environment or species and where limited training is required. Within the Human Health program at CSIRO, we believe that applying public led science to the field of health offers numerous advantages. Harnessing the collective power of the public allows us to tap into a diverse range of experiences and perspectives, enriching the research process and promoting inclusivity. We envision a collaborative approach where the community actively participate in shaping the research agenda in areas of health and wellbeing that matter to them.

By involving the public in the scientific inquiry process, we aim to bridge the gap between researchers and the communities they serve. We want the public to help direct research activities of this initiative, ensuring projects are targeted and applicable to the population they represent and empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to advancements in human health and wellbeing.

Through citizen science, we strive to create a dynamic and responsive research ecosystem that addresses the pressing health concerns of our communities.