Citizen Science Connected

About the project

In the "Citizen Science Connected" project, we aim to establish a network of Citizen Science Points of Contact (CS PoC) at higher education institutions across Switzerland to catalyze Citizen Science research linked to sustainability.

The activities within the framework of the project will focus on two parallel objectives:

1. co-creating a roadmap for a future CS PoC network, and
2. co-developing a Swiss-wide Citizen Science project on sustainability.

Both goals will foster shared ownership by the CS PoC and provide hands-on experience in Citizen Science project development.

To achieve objective 1, the project team will map the current Citizen Science landscape in Swiss higher education institutions, identify potential partners and approach them as co-creators and future CS PoCs. Together with the designated PoCs, we will co-design a concept for the future network, addressing needs for training materials, knowledge repositories, geographic and institutional gaps, and exploring funding opportunities for the network's sustainability.

To achieve objective 2, the project team will organise two hackathons to provide the CS PoCs with opportunities to learn and experiment with Citizen Science and sustainable (open) innovation. The first, a one-day "ideathon" will explore a potential Citizen Science grand challenge on sustainability. The second, a weekend hackathon, will focus on selecting one grand challenge and developing tools and platforms to support it, aiming for funding and a 2026 launch. To maximise the societal involvement and relevance, the hackathon will further involve stakeholders and community members.

Intended outcomes and outputs

All activities aim to strengthen ties between Swiss higher education institutions, researchers, and stakeholders, while collaborating with local communities and policymakers to create a network of changemakers dedicated to promoting Citizen Science for sustainability.