Ethics, infrastructure, and institutional support for citizen science

3. Interactive session: Creating your institutional contact point for citizen science (CS-ICP)

This module is a 30-minute interactive workshop where learners will embark on a journey to plan and design a CS-ICP tailored to their own institution. The session is structured into several engaging activities to facilitate the creation of a comprehensive blueprint for this essential element in citizen science support. The session empowers learners to create a tailored roadmap for establishing an institutional contact point that aligns with the unique needs and goals of their respective organisations, ultimately enhancing support for CS initiatives.

Module description:

What?	How?	Why?
Needs assessment	Learners will reflect on the unique needs and characteristics of their institutions, sharing insights and potential benefits of an institutional contact point for citizen science (CS-ICP). They must do a collective brainstorm to identify specific challenges and opportunities.	Allowing learners to understand the specific needs and benefits of CS-ICP within their institutions, fostering a collective brainstorming process to identify challenges and opportunities unique to their context.
Designing the contact point	Learners may use a template or worksheet provided to design these components of an institutional contact point: Online hub/portal, Service desk, Communication tools and platform, Knowledge and expertise (best practices, protocols, evaluation forms, etc.), Partnership frameworks. This part of the program ends with group discussions for idea exchange and feedback.	Learners learn how to design essential components of a CS-ICP, including an online hub, service desk, communication tools, knowledge resources, and partnership frameworks. Group discussions enable idea exchange and valuable feedback, ensuring the development of effective CS-ICPs.
Governance framework	Based on an example governance framework (e.g., the INCENTIVE project’s framework), learners will consider how to adapt and implement governance at their institution and for the specific CS-ICP. The governance framework should include a tailored roadmap for establishing a CS-ICP that aligns with the unique needs and goals of their respective organisations.	Based on a sample governance framework (e.g., the INCENTIVE project's model), learners explore how to adapt and implement governance tailored to their institutions and CS-ICP. This framework helps create a roadmap for establishing CS-ICPs aligned with their organization's specific needs and objectives.
Sharing and feedback	Learners will briefly present their draft institutional contact point designs to the group. Peers provide feedback, suggestions, and insights.	Learners present their draft institutional contact point designs to the group, facilitating peer feedback, suggestions, and insights, ensuring the refinement of their CS-ICP plans through collective expertise.

Slide available in slide deck.