As part of a consortium, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) has been awarded a €400,000 grant from Open Science NL for the establishment of the eXtreme Citizen Science Hub Amsterdam.
Other organizations involved are: University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Waag Futurelab, Amsterdam Public Library (OBA), and the City of Amsterdam.
Together, these organizations are joining forces to strengthen citizen science in the city and make it more accessible. The hub brings together citizen science initiatives in Amsterdam and promotes collaboration between communities, higher education institutions and policymakers. An important focus is on increasing citizen participation; after all, it is called citizen science for a reason.
What is Citizen Science?
Citizen science is a form of research that actively involves citizens in different phases of scientific research. These contributions range from collecting data and conducting experiments to analysing results and disseminating knowledge. Citizen involvement provides new perspectives and insights, which can lead to innovative solutions to scientific and societal issues.
Urban knowledge network
Over the next four years, the hub will focus on interaction with and for the city, training, institutional integration, research and ethical governance. By embedding citizen science in education, policy and urban development, the hub will create a sustainable knowledge network that strengthens diverse communities, promotes social justice and contributes to sustainable urban transformation.
The hub develops and supports citizen science initiatives in three thematic pillars:
- Sustainable and Inclusive Cities
- Health and Well-being
- Democratic and Accessible Technologies
Open Science NL
With this initiative, the consortium aligns itself with the broader ambitions of Open Science NL: making science more open, inclusive and socially relevant through the active involvement of citizens.
For more information, please contact openscience@vu.nl.
