The final example that we will use is about the technologies and innovation that are emerging from citizen science. When people get very involved in citizen science projects, a lot of the time they are experiencing limitations in their access to equipment. Since the need is the mother of invention, there is a range of examples of technologies that have been invented by participants. For example, in 2020, the high-level science journal Nature reported on the potential benefits of these Do-It-Yourself Science tools and how they can increase access to science. For example, a 3D printed microscope. 

The images is a website screenshot depicting a microscope in a very colourful environment

Screenshot of the Nature magazine webpage: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03193-5 (or here as a PDF)

The story of novel ways of collecting and sharing data can also integrate into stories about a topic, or the achievement of a grassroots campaign, such as this example from the Guardian from 2014 about the use of DIY tools in measuring air quality.

The images is a website screenshot depicting a couple with their masks making a selfie picture.

Screenshot of The Guardian webpage, featuring their Cities section: https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2014/jan/31/air-activists-social-media-pollution-city (or here as a PDF)

Last modified: Monday, 21 June 2021, 6:59 PM