STEMskiller: Skill Set Map for Mentors of Early Career Researchers

RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP: Academic reading and writing

[Grant proposals]

Citizen science: definition, examples, why important and emphasized in grant funding activities

Definition:

Understanding citizen science (CS) vary across disciplines and countries; Heigl et al. (2019; see below) discuss this and provide an overarching definition while calling for a clearing international definition of CS activities, or “projects that help members of the general public gain insight into the scientific process” through data gathering, experimental design, or other approaches. Early career researchers may not yet have heard of such initiatives, which are increasingly encouraged in grants which receive public funding. 

Useful resources on Citizen science:

Heigl, F., Kieslinger, B., Paul, K.T., Uhlik, J., Dörler, D. (2019). Opinion: Toward an international definition of citizen science. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(17), 8089-8092. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1903393116

Discusses the need for an international definition and experiences in creating a national CS program (in Austria). Includes key references for more reading on definitions, including European initiatives.

Tags: PSR CE; CompS; CompTS

Peer Review: None

Table of contents:

1.2. Academic reading and writing


1.2.1. Preparing to write

1.2.2. Writing specifics for different academic formats


1.2.3. Grant proposals


1.2.3.1. Grant application writing: why important/purpose, types (cross-border, national, regional), examples


1.2.3.2. Citizen science: definition, examples, why important and emphasized in grant funding activities
1.2.3.3. "Intellectual property" rights (IP) (includes: knowledge transfer, patenting, legal and business standardization)
1.2.3.4. Research utilization


1.2.4. Corresponding with others

Author: Stephanie Krueger

Peer Reviewer(s): None

Last Updated: October 22, 2021