ScienceUs Upscale Academy Bootcamp: A Two-Day Journey of Collaboration and Innovation
The ScienceUs Upscale Academy Bootcamp took place on March 12–13, 2025, at the Museum für Naturkunde (MfN) in Berlin, bringing together researchers, project managers, and citizen science enthusiasts for two days of engaging discussions, hands-on sessions, and collaborative exploration.
Funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, the Bootcamp aimed to foster the development and upscaling of citizen science.
Day 1 Highlights
The first day began with a warm welcome by the event hosts, followed by an introduction to the ScienceUs Upscale Academy’s vision and objectives. Participants had the opportunity to present their projects in quick rounds, sharing innovative approaches and key achievements.
A standout feature of the day was the Gallery Walk, where attendees explored each other’s posters during the lunch break, sparking one-on-one conversations and networking. This was followed by the presentation of the Plastic Pirates initiative by Philip Ackermann, which focused on citizen-driven environmental actions. Later in the day, participants engaged in an in-depth session on The Upscale Strategy, led by Marius Oesterheld, Silke Voigt-Heucke, and Nadia Bates. The strategy aims to support the scaling and sustainability of citizen science efforts.
Day 2 Highlights
The second day opened with reflections on the previous day, setting the tone for a productive agenda. One of the central sessions featured a presentation of the CROPS Project by Giovanni Maccani, showcasing an innovative case study in citizen science.Participants then joined parallel sessions on various themes:
- Project Management and Funding with Nikos Arslanoglou
- Public Engagement and Community Management with Patrick Klügel
- Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Impact with Mhairi Stewart and Victoria Shennan
- Data Management with Ulrike Sturm
Another key moment was the presentation of the Adaptation Agora Project by Adam Doulgerakis and Spyridoula Markou, which highlighted the role of digital tools and inclusive methodologies in enhancing citizen science participation.The day continued with a co-design session led by Leticia Martinez Garcia, encouraging participants to reflect on their projects, identify challenges, and co-create solutions. The Bootcamp concluded with a session on next steps and administrative guidance, led by Cristian Ioja and Rafaella Improta.
Final steps
The ScienceUs Upscale Academy Bootcamp provided a unique space for knowledge exchange, mutual learning, and community building. From project presentations to strategy discussions and co-design workshops, every element of the two-day event contributed to the shared mission of upscaling European citizen science.We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, speakers, and facilitators who made this Bootcamp a success. The insights and collaborations formed during these two days will continue to shape the ScienceUs community and its impact.
“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.”
