Volunteers as Facilitators and Designers in Citizen Science Communities

Citizen science holds tremendous potential to benefit the public—it strengthens people’s connection to nature, makes scientific knowledge more accessible, and allows individuals to take an active role in research. But for citizen science initiatives to achieve these important goals, they must be developed in collaboration with the very people who participate in them—starting from the design phase. Involving community members in planning ensures that the project remains relevant, accessible, and aligned with participants’ needs and motivations.

This study draws on the Community of Practice (CoP) framework to explore how collaborative, practice-based communities can be created and sustained through citizen science initiatives. Our case study focuses on the role of volunteers who serve as group leaders in youth field clubs, working within a citizen science CoP. These volunteers not only mediate between the participants and the scientific project but also actively engage in co-design processes, influencing the structure of activities and ensuring they promote meaningful engagement among young participants.

Preliminary Findings

The findings indicate that when volunteers are involved in the planning stages, they not only contribute to the success of the project but also strengthen their own sense of belonging and commitment to continued involvement. This engagement also leads to more tailored projects that support long-term participation and create rich learning experiences for youth.