The potential of citizen science to transform science: Lessons for a sustainable future

Globally, environmental crises are at a critical point. Findings from scientific research are crucial to understand these issues and to inform new policies to address them. Yet the rapidity with which society, industry and lifestyles are changing is not matched in dynamism by institutionalised science, where institutional structures slow the rate of adaptation. In this paper, we propose that citizen science can act as a bridge between the ideal and the reality of scientific research, structuring the interface of scientific research with its cultural context. In so doing, citizen science can increase science's ability to address complex ecological problems where data is needed alongside public and policy engagement. As part of a wider movement of informal scientific practices, citizen science can broaden institutionalised science's horizon, foster innovation and create more impact. Drawing on examples of citizen science practice addressing pollution, we specify ways in which citizen science can provide embedded knowledge and foster alternative practices within the sciences. We identify a clash of logics between citizen science and institutional science practice and suggest avenues that could be pursued to improve dialogue between the two. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.