
Exciting News from ScienceUs! 🌍
This blog post captures the essence of the recent ScienceUs meeting in Rome, highlighting the collaborative efforts and future plans that aim to enhance Citizen Science initiatives. The blend of excitement and forward-looking vision is intended to engage and inform the ScienceUs community.
Sapienza Università di Roma Hosted the 2nd In-Person Meeting of ScienceUs Partners
Last week, in Rome, was hosted the 2nd in-person meeting of ScienceUs. This gathering was a significant milestone for all partners involved, marking a pivotal moment in our collaborative journey towards advancing Citizen Science initiatives.
A meeting for Citizen Science
The meeting brought together the consortium members, each committed to pushing the boundaries of Citizen Science. The discussions were vibrant and focused, revolving around critical aspects of benchmarking Citizen Science initiatives. Our agenda was packed with insightful dialogues aimed at identifying and selecting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Survey and Future Engagements
In line with our commitment to identifying and leveraging challenges and opportunities in Horizon Europe, the Green Deal, and EU Missions, we are conducting a survey focused on “adaptation to climate change.” Most respondents expressed interest in integrating citizen science into their projects, with many already employing participatory approaches, albeit not under the citizen science label. To broaden our inclusivity, we aim to frame our open call using terms like “co-creation” and “living labs”.
Additionally, we plan to invite projects that completed the survey to short Zoom interviews in late September/early October to discuss ideal scenarios for applying citizen science in climate change adaptation. We also aim to interview projects already using participatory approaches, potentially turning these discussions into podcasts.
Planning for the Future
The meeting wasn’t just about reflecting on our progress; it was also about charting the course ahead. We laid out comprehensive plans for our next steps, focusing on two main initiatives:
The Open Call: We are gearing up to announce an open call that will invite innovative ideas and projects. This will be an exciting opportunity for researchers, scientists, and enthusiasts to contribute to our collective goals. We are thrilled to announce the ScienceUs Upscale Academy Bootcamp, scheduled for March 2025 at the Museum für Naturkunde (MfN) in Berlin. All applicants will be invited to attend this bootcamp, although funding will be provided to 25 participants through ScienceUs. The event will be held in a hybrid format, ensuring inclusivity by streaming all input talks. This bootcamp promises to be a pivotal moment for participants to gain valuable insights and resources to enhance their citizen science projects.
The Upscaling Academy: In parallel, we are developing an upscaling academy designed to nurture and amplify promising Citizen Science projects. This academy will provide the necessary resources, training, and support to ensure these projects reach their full potential.
Next steps
The enthusiasm and commitment shown by all partners during the meeting have set a positive tone for the future. We are energized and ready to take on the challenges ahead, with a clear focus on driving meaningful impact through Citizen Science.
Stay tuned for more updates! We will soon be sharing detailed information on the upcoming steps and the publication of the open call. Together, we are poised to make significant strides in our quest for scientific excellence and societal benefit.
Thank you for being a part of the ScienceUs journey. Your support and participation are crucial as we continue to explore, innovate, and inspire.
Stay connected with us on our social media channels and be the first to know about our latest developments. Exciting times lie ahead!

“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”

