Embedding citizen science into research policy

Citizen science, i.e. the active engagement of citizens in scientific knowledge production, is a mode of research that can be applied in a wide variety of scientific fields and is valuable for addressing a broad range of policy priorities. Technological and societal drivers, such as the digital transition and raised public awareness and interest in science, are under-pinning a growth in citizen science. This report is primarily intended for research policymakers in ministries and funding agencies to help them recognise the potential for the use of citizen science and to plan, implement and evaluate effective citizen science policies. It includes a set of overall recommendations, linked to a policy framework and policy options and combined with analysis of illustrative national and international initiatives.