The engagement of the public in the scientific process is an old practice. Yet with recent advances in technology, the role of the citizen scientist in studying evolutionary processes has increased. Insects provide ideal models for understanding these evolutionary processes at large scales. This review highlights how insect-based citizen science has led to the expansion of specimen collections ...

In this workshop we propose to explore new approaches to bring about real environmental change by looking at the success of empowering technologies that enable grassroots activism and bottom up community participation. Ubiquitous computing is transforming from being mostly about professional communication and social interaction to a sensor rich personal measurement platform that can empower ind...

We live in the age of Big Data, yet many areas of environmental management are still suffering from a lack of relevant data, information and knowledge that impedes sound decision making. A highly relevant phenomenon is therefore the so-called citizen observatories whereby the observations of ordinary citizens, and not just those of professionals and scientists, are included in earth observation...

Citizen science can raise people’s understanding of science while helping scientists to conduct their research. Yet, its potential for driving transformative learning is empirically underexplored. We present the results of focus groups and participant observation with secondary-school students engaged in the first three years of a citizen science project, from the formulation of the research qu...

Abstract Background: Citizen science offers an attractive paradigm for addressing some of the complex problems facing society. However, translating paradigm’s potential into meaningful action and sustainable impact remains a formidable challenge. Historically, citizen landscape was fractured silos activities; nonetheless, it has demonstrably delivered credible results. An innovative concept Obs...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the subject of knowledge citizenship from the perspective of citizen participation in their city’s decision-making processes. It focuses on a case study of the city of Holon, Israel. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents three distinct methods for citizen participation processes which were used by Holon: citizen-based consensus confe...

In recent years, citizen science has grown in popularity due to a number of reasons, including the emphasis on informal learning and creativity potential associated with these initiatives. Citizen science projects address research questions from various domains, ranging from Ecology to Astronomy. Due to the advancement of communication technologies, which makes outreach and engagement of wider ...

Citizen sensing, or the use of low-cost and accessible digital technologies to monitor environments, has contributed to new types of environmental data and data practices. Through a discussion of participatory research into air pollution sensing with residents of northeastern Pennsylvania concerned about the effects of hydraulic fracturing, we examine how new technologies for generating environ...