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A new dawn for citizen science.
1Department of Life Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, UK. j.silvertown@open.ac.uk
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|July 10, 2009
Summary
Citizen science involves volunteers contributing to scientific research, especially in environmental fields. This growing area has historical roots and is becoming increasingly important in modern scientific discovery.
Area of Science:
- Ecology and environmental sciences
- Interdisciplinary scientific research
Background:
- Citizen science, involving volunteer data collection, has a long history in scientific discovery.
- Contemporary projects are rapidly expanding, particularly within environmental and ecological disciplines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the role and growing importance of citizen scientists in research.
- To highlight the historical context and current expansion of citizen science initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and current citizen science projects.
- Analysis of the burgeoning role of volunteers in data collection and processing.
Main Results:
- Citizen science is a well-established practice with deep historical roots.
- There is a significant and increasing trend in citizen science participation, especially in environmental fields.
Conclusions:
- Citizen science is a vital and expanding component of modern scientific research.
- The involvement of volunteers significantly contributes to scientific inquiry, particularly in ecology.
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