Citizen Science: Engaging the Public in Air Quality Research
Air quality is an issue that affects us all, yet understanding and addressing it often feels like an exclusive domain for scientists and policymakers. However, there’s a growing movement that bridges the gap between professional researchers and the public: citizen science.
In this episode of the Air Quality Matters podcast, we discuss the potential of citizen science with Sarah West , Director of the SEI — Stockholm Environment Institute in York.
What is Citizen Science?
Citizen science involves volunteers working alongside professional researchers to answer pressing questions about the world. In the context of air quality, it might mean monitoring what’s in our homes, schools, or neighbourhoods that affects how we breathe. Sarah explains, “Citizen science is an approach to doing research where the public is directly involved in collecting data or even shaping the research questions themselves.”
Citizen science can intersect with multiple fields — not just natural sciences, but social sciences and even the arts. It uses various methods to engage different audiences, from power dynamics and community engagement strategies to scientific techniques like swabbing surfaces for bacteria.
Different Approaches to Citizen Science
There are three primary models of citizen science, each defined by the level of public involvement:
Contributory Citizen Science: Here, volunteers mainly contribute data. A familiar example is the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, where participants count the birds in their gardens. Scientists set the parameters, and the public provides the data.
Collaborative Citizen Science: This approach involves the public in multiple stages of the research process. In the SAMHE (Schools Air Quality Monitoring for Health and Education) project, for example, schools collaborated not only in collecting data but also in designing how they wanted to see and use the data, which was gathered by sensors placed in classrooms.
Co-Created Citizen Science: This model involves public volunteers at every stage of the scientific process — from setting the research questions to collecting data, analysing findings, and disseminating results. While this approach is resource-intensive, it can be highly transformative, significantly benefiting both researchers and participants.
The Unique Value of Citizen Science
Citizen science isn’t just a method of collecting data; it’s an approach that can make scientific research more relevant to people’s lives. As Sarah points out, “Citizen science is a way that researchers can involve the public in their projects, thereby actually making those research projects better because they are directly relevant to people’s lives.”
However, this approach also faces challenges. For instance, if a citizen science project only involves well-educated, middle-class participants, it risks producing biased data and may not address the needs of those most affected by poor air quality. To mitigate this, researchers must strive for diversity and inclusivity in their participant groups, ensuring that all voices are heard, particularly those from vulnerable or marginalised communities.
Overcoming Challenges and Maximizing Impact
Sarah highlights that while citizen science has the potential to democratise research and empower communities, it requires careful planning and execution. Researchers need to consider who they engage and how they communicate risks and findings to participants. For example, in projects like SAMHE, there’s a delicate balance between raising awareness of air quality issues in schools and ensuring that teachers and students feel empowered to take meaningful actions rather than feeling overwhelmed or fearful.
To ensure ethical standards are maintained, projects involving citizens must be approved by an ethical review board, which assesses the potential risks and benefits to participants. This is especially important when communicating risks, such as the dangers of poor indoor air quality. Researchers must provide context, explain the significance of findings, and suggest actionable steps that participants can take to mitigate risks.
Applying Citizen Science Beyond Academia
The principles of citizen science can be applied to a wide range of fields beyond traditional scientific research. In housing, for example, engaging tenants and landlords in monitoring indoor air quality could lead to better ventilation policies and strategies. As I note, “The principles of citizen science, such as engaging with stakeholders and understanding their needs, can be beneficial in fields like housing, workplace environments, and education.”
Sarah agreed, suggesting that the fundamental idea is to not conduct research "about" people without involving them. This approach ensures that research projects are more likely to have a real impact rather than being relegated to academic journals that few people read. By working closely with those affected by air quality issues — whether they are schoolchildren, tenants, or homeowners — researchers can ensure that their findings are relevant, useful, and likely to lead to meaningful change.
Where to Learn More
For those interested in learning more about citizen science, Sarah recommends exploring the resources available on the Stockholm Environment Institute's website, which includes guidelines on the ten principles of citizen science. Additionally, the European Citizen Science Association (ECSA) provides valuable information and resources for both beginners and experienced researchers looking to engage the public in their work.
Citizen science offers a powerful tool for making scientific research more inclusive, impactful, and relevant. By involving people from all walks of life in the research process, we can create richer data sets, foster a deeper understanding of critical issues like air quality, and empower communities to take action.
For more information, check out https://www.airqualitymatters.net/podcast
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