What is Citizen Science?

Citizen science, also known as community science or participatory monitoring, is scientific research that can be conducted by anyone—scientists and non-scientists alike. Members of the public, local activists, volunteer groups, youth, students, and other interested individuals can engage at each stage of the research process—from defining the research topic and formulating questions, to collecting and analyzing data, and even publishing and presenting the findings.

Citizen science is a relatively new field that has seen significant grown in recent years, thanks to technological tools that make public participation easy and accessible, while also facilitating direct contact with research teams. This growth is also driven by the recognition of the valuable contributions public involvement brings—to science, to society, and to participants themselves. Worldwide, thousands of citizen science projects span diverse fields, including astronomy, medicine, climate studies, the humanities, and especially biodiversity and environmental monitoring.

Here's How to Get Involved in Citizen Science

There are multiple ways to get involved in citizen science. The most common methods involve submitting observations—whether as part of organized projects and initiatives or independently, by recording random sightings of various plant and animal species. Learn more about this topic here.

Citizen Science Tips

Everyone can contribute

You can start participating in citizen science with no prior knowledge or special effort. Just install iNaturalist, snap a photo of any creature (even if you’re unsure of its identity), and share the sighting. Remember, many of the top contributors in the community began with little knowledge and grew by learning as they participated.

Be generous with the details

Ensure that you fill in all required fields in your observation report, including a photo, location, date and time, identification, and any additional relevant details. Comprehensive information is crucial for verifying and analyzing the data.

When in doubt, give a shout!

If you’re unsure about your observation, avoid guessing. Submit your report to iNaturalist with the most specific identification you feel confident about (for example, “meadow saffron” instead of “Steven’s meadow saffron”), and you’ll receive assistance from community members and experts. You can also reach out to specialized groups on Facebook where knowledgeable experts are available to help with identifications.

Facebook post? Not citizen science!

Facebook is a great sharing platform, but it lacks proper data management features. As a result, posts shared on social media are often less relevant to researchers, policymakers, and field managers.

Them's the rules: following project guidelines

In every citizen science project, it is essential to adhere to the established guidelines. These guidelines ensure that the information generated is of high quality and reliability, ultimately serving the project in the most effective manner possible.

Additional Information

The Ten Principles of Citizen Science

Whose Science Is This Anyway, Davidson Institute, April 24, 2021

Public Participation in Scientific Research: A Spectrum of Possibilities, Ecology and Environment, January 19, 2022

Citizen Science – Public Participation in Scientific Research, Ecology and Environment, April 11, 2015

Taking Citizen Science to School (TCSS)

Citizen Science at the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI)