Publication Details

Category Data Publication
DOI 10.5281/zenodo.10051199
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Survey: CITIZEN SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES - How can we harness and improve the use of technologies in citizen science? (1.0.0) [Data set]
Author Sheard, J.K.; Büermann, A.; Chowdhury, S.; Engel, T.; Finch, E.A.; Oh, R.R.Y. ORCID logo ; Bonn, A. ORCID logo
Source Titel Zenodo
Year 2023
Department ESS
Language englisch
Topic T5 Future Landscapes
Abstract Emerging technologies are increasingly employed in environmental citizen science projects. This integration offers benefits and opportunities for scientists and participants alike. Citizen science can support large-scale, long-term monitoring of species occurrences, behaviour and interactions. At the same time, technologies can foster participant engagement, regardless of pre-existing taxonomic expertise or experience, and permit new types of data to be collected. Yet, technologies may also create challenges by potentially increasing financial costs, necessitating technological expertise or demanding training of participants. Technology could also reduce people's direct involvement and engagement with nature. In this perspective, we discuss how current technologies have spurred an increase in citizen science projects and how the implementation of emerging technologies in citizen science may enhance scientific impact and public engagement. We show how technology can act as (i) a facilitator of current citizen science and monitoring efforts, (ii) an enabler of new research opportunities, and (iii) a transformer of science, policy and public participation, but could also become (iv) an inhibitor of participation, equity and scientific rigour. Technology is developing fast and promises to provide many exciting opportunities for citizen science and insect monitoring, but while we seize these opportunities, we must remain vigilant against potential risks. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring’.
linked UFZ text publications
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=29131
Sheard, J.K., Büermann, A., Chowdhury, S., Engel, T., Finch, E.A., Oh, R.R.Y., Bonn, A. (2023):
Survey: CITIZEN SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES - How can we harness and improve the use of technologies in citizen science? (1.0.0) [Data set]
Zenodo 10.5281/zenodo.10051199