Have you ever wondered how you can contribute to scientific research and make a meaningful impact? Citizen science is an exciting way for everyday people like you and me to participate in scientific projects and contribute to our knowledge and understanding of the world. In this blog, we’ll explore what citizen science is all about and why you might like to get involved.
What is citizen science?
Citizen science is a collaborative approach to scientific research that involves ordinary citizens actively contributing to scientific projects. It encourages people from all walks of life to collect, analyse, and interpret data, allowing scientists to tackle large-scale projects that would be otherwise impossible.
In simple terms, it’s regular folks like us working alongside scientists to make new discoveries!
Why participate in citizen science?
Being a citizen scientist takes some time and effort, so what benefits do you get from it in return? Let’s take a look.
Learn something new
By participating in citizen science, you get to learn fascinating things about the world around you. You’ll gain valuable knowledge about various scientific disciplines, from astronomy and ecology to archaeology and climate science. It’s an opportunity to delve into subjects that interest you, and maybe even opening up future pathways you hadn’t considered before.
Join a community
Citizen science also brings people together, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. You’ll meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for science and exploration. You can exchange knowledge, ideas, and experiences, and create connections with people from all walks of life.
Boost your employability
Participating in citizen science projects can be a fantastic opportunity to open doors to new possibilities. You can gain valuable hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and expand your knowledge in specific fields. Your involvement showcases your passion, dedication, and ability to collaborate – and these are all important attributes that any employer will be looking for.
Ready to get involved?
Citizen science allows ordinary individuals to become active contributors to scientific research, and is a great way to see if you might like to pursue a future career in STEM.
If you want to get involved, there are thousands of projects happening across the world right now. You can find something near you using sites such as the Australian Citizen Science Project Finder or SciStarter.
Want to learn more about your future options? Take a look at the other blogs on our website here.