Chiara Stenico, Ethics Secretary at Erasmus Research Services (ERS), joined the team this academic year. In her role, Chiara provides essential research support within the framework of Erasmus University Rotterdam’s (EUR) ethics review procedure. She is also an active member of the Open and Responsible Science department, where she is engaged in an exciting project called "Exploring Citizen Science at EUR."
Chiara's involvement in this project is fueled by her personal and professional passions. With a background in philosophy, she finds herself drawn to participatory science and the concept of "democratisation" of research. Her enthusiasm extends to transformative approaches to knowledge production and a deep commitment to improving research infrastructures.
The Power of Community: Fostering Collaboration and Communication
The heart of the project lies in the idea of "community." Chiara recognises the significance of inclusivity and openness in research endeavors. Participatory approaches to science serve as a unique opportunity to foster communication and collaboration among different communities, including academia, citizenry, and amateur scientists. By bridging these gaps, the project aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas and perspectives, strengthening the bonds between researchers and the wider community.
Citizen Science at EUR: A Pillar of Open Science
"Exploring Citizen Science at EUR" is a testament to the university's commitment to societal engagement and the positive impact it can have. Citizen Science, encompassing participatory and community science, living labs, and engaged research, plays a vital role within the framework of Open Science in the Netherlands. It acknowledges the crucial role of citizens and non-professional researchers in actively participating in research conducted by professionals. This reciprocal relationship allows citizens to directly benefit from the research conducted at EUR, generating tangible impact.
A Comprehensive Overview: Mapping Citizen Science Projects at EUR
EUR is already involved in numerous initiatives and research projects related to citizen science. The current endeavor aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these projects and related activities. Beyond creating an inventory, the project seeks to understand how best to support citizen science. While engaged researchers demonstrate unwavering commitment, their work alone cannot sustain the progress of this approach. Therefore, Chiara and her team are eager to explore the initiation of these projects, motivations driving researchers and citizen scientists, and the level of enthusiasm among citizens for continued participation.
Collaboration and Co-Creation: Uncovering Insights through Engaged Research
In adopting a collaborative and co-creative approach, Chiara ensures that the project mirrors the very essence of citizen science. For instance, in preparing for interviews with engaged researchers, she has collaborated with a researcher and expert in participatory research to draft an interview guide. This approach not only helps avoid confirmation biases but also ensures the collection of high-quality data. By aligning questions with those that citizen science expects to be asked, the project remains true to the core principles of this field. Furthermore, it demonstrates a commitment to honoring the care and dedication of researchers by rigorously examining their work and keeping them informed about the results of the exploration.
Get Involved: Join the Citizen Science Movement
The project's success depends on the active involvement of researchers who are passionate about citizen science or engaged research. Chiara extends a warm invitation to all such researchers to contribute their valuable insights and experiences. By contacting her directly at chiara.stenico@eur.nl, researchers have an opportunity to shape the future of citizen science research and drive the advancement of the entire academic community in this field. Together, they will propel the field forward and foster a deeper understanding of its immense potential.
The "Exploring Citizen Science at EUR" project serves as a testament to EUR's commitment to impactful research and the meaningful collaboration between researchers and communities. As Chiara and her team delve into this exciting endeavour, the university eagerly awaits the valuable insights that will shape the future of citizen science research at EUR.