Empowering citizen science initiatives: Resources, funding, and proposals

Introduction to the notion of CS-ICPs

Different areas of CS are presented, with special attention to how CS-ICPs may help researchers in relation to CS projects

Explaining to the learners why CS-ICPs may be useful for various CS projects

Example of successful integration of CS-ICPs in RPOs

The story of A Healthier Southern Denmark and how it has enabled citizens to take part in making decisions about the prioritisation of research funding

Demonstration of what can be achieved if the CS-ICP (CS Knowledge Center at the University of Southern Denmark) supports citizen science initiatives

Example of successful integration of CS-ICPs in RPOs

Citizen Science Zürich is developing a set of tools that make it easier for scientists and citizens to engage with CS projects. Special case: Project Wencker (crowdsourcing of transcriptions)

Demonstration of what can be achieved at a CS-ICP in terms of tools development and research support

Expanding on the idea of CS-ICPs

Bridging the stories together and elaborating on key responsibilities of citizen science “single points of contact” (LERU 2016): Recognition of success criteria specifically relevant to citizen science; allocation of funding (or support for the development of funding proposals) for community management, platform development, and other non-research functions characteristic of citizen science; support ethical approval and legal assistance of citizen science projects

Helping learners to organise information about the two examples and enabling them to develop broad thinking about hubs and institutional points of contact (ICPs)

Leveraging resources provided by the EU-citizen.science platform

Showcasing training sessions and MOOCs as an example of non-institutional support

Providing learners with insights from existing resources and infrastructures such as the EU-citizen.science platform

Introduction to databases such as Research Professional

Guidance for using Research Professional (or similar database) to discover information about available funding opportunities.

Giving the learners insights on how to use existing resources to identify potential funding sources.

Examples of funding programs that support citizen science and the reasons why

HorizonEurope, Sparkling Science 2.0, Earthwatch Research Funding, project-initiated seed funding (IMPETUS), …

Demonstrating that there are several funding opportunities for citizen science projects, each with a different scope and different eligibility and evaluation criteria

Secrets to writing a winning grant

Tips of the trade: Do extensive research of the available grants and noting differences in the types of project financed by various funding bodies; pitching your proposal; the write stuff; communicating your idea effectively; what not to do

Providing learners with tips on how to avoid application pitfalls 

Funding call selection

Learners choose from a curated list of actual or hypothetical funding calls from various sources, such as government agencies, foundations, and research institutions. Each funding call has a specific focus and criteria.

This session allows learners to gain practical experience in navigating the complex landscape of funding opportunities, enabling them to select the most relevant calls based on their project ideas.

Project brainstorming and proposal outline

Learners individually or in small groups select one of the funding calls and start brainstorming project ideas that align with the call’s objectives and requirements. Learners outline their research proposals based on the chosen funding call. They could include key sections such as project objectives, research methods, anticipated impacts, and budget estimates.

Learners have the chance to transform their project concepts into concrete proposals, developing essential skills in project design, alignment with call objectives, and proposal structuring.

Peer discussion

Learners exchange their project ideas within their groups or with a partner. They provide feedback, suggestions, and ask critical questions to refine each other's proposals.

Through peer interactions, learners benefit from diverse perspectives and constructive feedback, refining their proposals and enhancing their problem-solving abilities.

Presentation and feedback

Each learner or group presents a brief overview of their research proposal to the larger group. Presentations should include the research questions, methodologies, target audiences, and expected outcomes. Learners should further emphasize how their project aligns with the chosen funding call.

Presenting proposals to the larger group fosters communication skills and offers valuable exposure, while feedback from peers sharpens proposal quality.

Feedback and reflection

The facilitator encourages learners to reflect on the feedback they received and how it might improve their proposals.

Reflection on received feedback prompts learners to improve their proposals and encourages a growth mindset.