What We Mean by
“Citizen Science”
The following is our conceptual understanding
and application of this term for the purposes of
the Citizen Science Toolkit Project.
The term “citizen science” has been used to
describe a range of ideas, from a philosophy of
public engagement in scientific discourse to the
work of scientists driven by a social conscience.
In North America, citizen science typically refers
to research collaborations between scientists
and volunteers, particularly (but not exclusively)
to expand opportunities for scientific data
collection and to provide access to scientific
information for community members.