Public engagement in science has grown significantly over the past decade, supported by two complementary fields of research and practice: citizen science and science communication. Presenting unique opportunities for the development of science in society, these two fields support scientific innovations, raise environmental awareness, inform resource management, and promote sustainable development.
Though established independently, the relationship between citizen science and science communication is gaining increased attention as their synergistic potential is being explored. Citizen science can promote science communication practice, encouraging a dialogue between citizens and scientists, as well as policymakers, industry and the media. At the same time citizen science can learn from the science communication traditions to improve its ability to engage, exchange information and interact with diverse audiences.
This Research Topic wishes to explore the reciprocal relationship between citizen science and science communication. It aims to showcase a wide range of communication strategies employed in citizen science towards multiple stakeholders (e.g. citizens, academics, policymakers and industry), for attracting and retaining participants, data presentation and pursuing co-created strategies for project design, implementation, evaluation and management. Additionally, the Research Topic will explore the potential of citizen science in using participatory science communication models, encouraging dialogue, transparency and collective decision-making between citizens, scientists and other stakeholders.
Bridging citizen science and science communication, the Research Topic will open conversations about the potential, challenges and opportunities for delivering sustainable, effective, and meaningful scientific impact. It will explore best practices, learn from failed examples, and integrate theoretical and empirical studies for the advancement of citizen science and science communication scholarship and practice.
We seek a diverse range of contributions covering the relationship between science communication and citizen science from both empirical and theoretical perspectives. Submissions are encouraged from contributors with diverse citizen science experiences including those of researchers, practitioners, designers and volunteers.
Potential areas to be covered by this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:
• Examples and best practices of science communication within citizen science projects
• Using citizen science as a tool for implementing science communication models
• The role of science communication in retaining long-term participation in citizen science
• Data visualization and communicating citizen science findings
• Communicating the policy impact of citizen science
• Teaching science communication principles through citizen science practice
• Storytelling as a communication method in citizen science
• Citizen science participants as science communicators
Public engagement in science has grown significantly over the past decade, supported by two complementary fields of research and practice: citizen science and science communication. Presenting unique opportunities for the development of science in society, these two fields support scientific innovations, raise environmental awareness, inform resource management, and promote sustainable development.
Though established independently, the relationship between citizen science and science communication is gaining increased attention as their synergistic potential is being explored. Citizen science can promote science communication practice, encouraging a dialogue between citizens and scientists, as well as policymakers, industry and the media. At the same time citizen science can learn from the science communication traditions to improve its ability to engage, exchange information and interact with diverse audiences.
This Research Topic wishes to explore the reciprocal relationship between citizen science and science communication. It aims to showcase a wide range of communication strategies employed in citizen science towards multiple stakeholders (e.g. citizens, academics, policymakers and industry), for attracting and retaining participants, data presentation and pursuing co-created strategies for project design, implementation, evaluation and management. Additionally, the Research Topic will explore the potential of citizen science in using participatory science communication models, encouraging dialogue, transparency and collective decision-making between citizens, scientists and other stakeholders.
Bridging citizen science and science communication, the Research Topic will open conversations about the potential, challenges and opportunities for delivering sustainable, effective, and meaningful scientific impact. It will explore best practices, learn from failed examples, and integrate theoretical and empirical studies for the advancement of citizen science and science communication scholarship and practice.
We seek a diverse range of contributions covering the relationship between science communication and citizen science from both empirical and theoretical perspectives. Submissions are encouraged from contributors with diverse citizen science experiences including those of researchers, practitioners, designers and volunteers.
Potential areas to be covered by this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:
• Examples and best practices of science communication within citizen science projects
• Using citizen science as a tool for implementing science communication models
• The role of science communication in retaining long-term participation in citizen science
• Data visualization and communicating citizen science findings
• Communicating the policy impact of citizen science
• Teaching science communication principles through citizen science practice
• Storytelling as a communication method in citizen science
• Citizen science participants as science communicators
