How to Become a Citizen Scientist

Citizen scientists come from all walks of life and have made invaluable contributions to scientific knowledge and understanding. Consider:

1. Charles Darwin: Darwin often relied on the observations of amateur and passionate naturalists during his research
2. Mary Anning: A Fossil Collector in the Early 19th Century
3. William Herschel: an astronomer who discovered the planet Uranus
4. EO Wilson: an influential biologist and ecologist who promoted citizen science initiatives such as “School of Ants”
5. Margaret and Geoffrey Leaney: Husband and wife team who developed insect breeding methods

Are you interested? Here’s what you need to know:

Human scientific endeavors have steadily expanded in scope and complexity over the past two centuries. From thinking about simple natural processes such as transitions between day and night to complex ones genomic studiesscience has come a long way.

Apart from painstaking studies carried out in complex laboratories, science also relies on data collection, observations and statistical analysis. Extending the scope has led to larger experiments that require the involvement of large groups of individuals in the process. This is where citizen science comes in.

Scientists are often strapped for time, cognitively overloaded and exhausted due to the already demanding nature of their professions. They often need extra pairs of eyes to help them perform various scientific tasks such as data collection, data processing, collation, and even statistical studies.

Citizen science enables the general public to participate in important scientific studies, partnering with scientists and assisting them in work that is crucial to improving human knowledge. It allows participants, from young children to retirees, to take part in important scientific work. A classic example of teamwork, citizen science is a community effort that brings together both professionals and novices to help bring about change for the greater good.

Understanding Citizen Science

Citizen science or community science involves collaboration between scientists and public volunteers in performing key tasks such as experiments, collecting data, and answering real-world questions.

The general public and scientists combine their efforts to carry out large-scale activities so that the manpower involved in the projects is distributed. Such projects are especially useful in population studies, wildlife conservation efforts, psychological surveys, and behavioral research.

Citizen scientists have also been involved in efforts to mainstream science awareness and education among the general masses. Fields such as genetics and astronomy have also benefited from the collaborative approach, and key developments have come about thanks to the contributions of many interested people. Participants in citizen science programs are sometimes referred to as amateur or lay scientists.

Essentially, citizen science aims to improve the reach and capacity of the science framework. In addition to providing researchers with much-needed support, citizen science exposes interested non-professionals or students to the realities of scientific work. This provides budding scientists and amateur contributors with much-needed knowledge of the scientific method.

The history of citizen science

Science before the 19th and 20th centuries was practiced by interested people whose curiosities in the natural world were self-funded. This included gentlemen scientists such as Darwin and Newton, who were involved in science more as a hobby or activity as opposed to a formalized profession.

Towards the end of the 19th century, science and science education were formalized, after which institutionalized efforts in research and experimentation were more common. Examples of citizen science date back to the colonization of the Americas when British settlers often attempted to record the weather during their explorations.

Some experts even consider great historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci to be among the first citizen scientists who popularized the natural intrigue of the general public.

The 20th century was one in which radical changes in the structure and method of science took shape. Following the institutionalization of science, research and inquiry have become a profession in their own right. In addition, the two world wars required rapid research and innovation. This led to the creation of a science-based funding approach that we see today.

Grants and donations have become commonplace, providing both competition and incentive to innovate and answer fundamental questions in science. However, these patterns, along with the limitations of the professional scientific community, have become apparent. This has led to the popularization of citizen science.

Interestingly, however, the very first citizen science program was led by the famous ornithologist Wells Cook and was set up in 1881. It enlisted ornithology enthusiasts to gather information on the migratory patterns of birds. Its popularity grew dramatically, and Cooke’s efforts were formalized by the US government which established the North American Avian Phenology Program.

Why is citizen science important?

Citizen science has many benefits not only for the scientific community, but also for students and interested civilians who participate in these projects. While the involvement of large numbers of individuals and its impact on productivity is an obvious outcome, community involvement in scientific endeavors presents several unique opportunities for everyone involved.