Questions and Answers

Citizen science (also called participatory science or community science) is the participation of the public in conducting scientific research. It includes research carried out in collaboration between scientists and non-scientists – the general public, local activists, volunteer groups, youth, students and others – for the purpose of creating new scientific knowledge or understanding. The collaboration can occur in any of the stages of the research – choosing a topic and formulating a research question, developing research tools, collecting and analyzing data.

Citizen science involves people from all backgrounds, including everyday citizens, students, local communities, researchers, and scientists. Most projects foster collaboration between citizens and researchers, but there are also initiatives led by citizen communities themselves, without direct involvement from professional researchers.

Certainly! There is a wide variety of citizen science platforms and topics; all you need to do is choose the tool or field that suits you and get started. For example, explore projects in the Israeli Center for Citizen Science’s project network.

Absolutely. The data collected by people like you plays a key role in advancing knowledge on science and environmental issues, tracking trends over time—such as shifts in climate and animal behavior—and enabling new discoveries and insights. This information is added to a large database that researchers and scientists worldwide can use to analyze patterns, compare findings, and address important environmental questions. Your data may even inform policy decisions and actions for land management and addressing environmental challenges.

Yes, anyone can participate! Most citizen science projects do not have restrictions based on age, location, or other factors. However, some projects may require prior knowledge or training before you can get involved.

No, an academic degree is not required to participate in citizen science projects. Anyone can get involved, regardless of their educational background.

The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History is a unique hub that connects national nature collections, researchers, and experts with the general public. Driven by a commitment to monitoring and studying biodiversity in Israel, as well as promoting nature conservation and public engagement in environmental issues, the museum established the Israel Center for Citizen Science. The center offers both museum visitors and the wider public the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of research, while actively participating and joining a community of curious and environmentally conscious individuals.

Your participation depends on the project you choose. In general, you can be involved throughout the entire research process, from suggesting potential research topics and selecting research questions, to data collection (such as in bird counting or butterfly monitoring), data analysis, and even the publication and presentation of the findings.

In addition to your participation, many others contribute to the success of citizen science projects. Typically, a project includes a project lead who oversees its development, a researcher with expertise in the relevant field, and a diverse group of participants from various age groups and backgrounds. Some projects also have a coordinator who manages activities and supports participants. The team composition can vary from project to project, with volunteers and specialists playing different roles depending on the specific needs of each initiative.

It’s important to follow the specific instructions provided for each project, as scientific data collection must be systematic for effective analysis. Be sure to include all the required information in your observation report, such as photos, location, date, time, species identification, and any additional relevant details. These elements are crucial for verifying and analyzing the data accurately. If you’re unsure about what you saw, avoid guessing. Reach out for identification help from experts involved in the project or from specialized groups on platforms like Facebook.

Some projects offer social gatherings, informational sessions, guidance meetings, and more. You can also reach out to the project coordinators and academic supervisors for additional support.

Supporting new project leaders is one of the main goals of the Israeli Center for Citizen Science. The center can assist with project development, adapting existing tools, data analysis resources, public outreach, advertising, and more. You can find further information on these topics on our website.

There are many citizen science projects in Israel and around the world across different fields and formats (outdoors/from home, one-time/long-term, with or without prior training, etc.). We recommend exploring the various projects in our catalog to find one that aligns with your interests and available time commitment. Use the filters to refine your search and discover projects that match your preferences. You can learn more about the different projects here .

Requirements for participating in citizen science projects vary by project, but generally, you’ll need a smartphone or computer. It’s recommended to review the instructions on each project’s page to ensure you have everything necessary to take part.

Citizen science has several limitations, including: