Towards a pan-European Research Infrastructure for Excellent Citizen Science

✅ As we mark the first six months of RIECS-Concept, we look back with pride and forward with purpose. This preparatory phase has been all about building a strong foundation — a strategic start to what we envision as a lasting and impactful European Research Infrastructure for Excellent Citizen Science 🌱.

✅ This has not been a quiet beginning. It has been dynamic, collaborative, and grounded in the conviction that citizen science deserves not just recognition but robust support, coordination, and sustainability.

A Launch That Set the Pace

✳️  The project began with an inspiring Kick-off Meeting, 30 January 2025, Brussels, Belgium. Bringing together 13 partners from 8 countries.

✳️ This diverse and highly motivated consortium began shaping the vision of RIECS-Concept: a shared, pan-European platform that elevates citizen science by fostering quality, inclusiveness, and institutional integration.

✅  In parallel, we established the project’s key governance structures — including the External Experts Advisory Board and the Ministries Advisory Board. These bodies are crucial for ensuring that our future infrastructure reflects both scientific excellence and real-world policy relevance. ✨

Gaining Visibility &

Building Momentum

✨ Over the past six months, RIECS-Concept has actively engaged with key communities, showcasing our vision and learning from others across Europe.

Some notable highlights:

✳️ “The International Conference for Advancing Participatory Sciences (CAPS)”, 28 May 2025, Portland, USA – where RIECS-Concept led a dedicated symposium, fostering critical discussion around citizen science infrastructure.

✳️ “CitSciHelvetia” – Swiss citizen science conference, 5-6 June 2025, Lausanne, Switzerland.

✳️ 53rd international scientific conference “NORDTEK: Green and Digital University Transformation”, 11 June 2025, Vilnius, Lithuania.

✳️ The EC Cluster Event “Advancing Public Engagement and Citizen Science in the European Research Area”, 19 June 2025, Brussels, Belgium.

✳️ International Conference Dedicated to Citizen Science “Citizen Science: Bridging Theory and Practice”, 29 April 2025, Vilnius, Lithuania – key platforms where we engaged stakeholders, shared progress, and identified synergies.

-> Our inclusion in the influential “Citizen Science for the Future of the EU” position paper as a featured initiative confirms the relevance of our work in shaping Europe’s science and innovation agenda.

Ready to Engage:

100+ Workshops Ahead

✅ Perhaps the most exciting development is what lies ahead. RIECS-Concept is preparing more than 100 workshops across Europe in the coming months. These will take place across thematic, geographic, and community-based lines – from health and environment to digital transformation and youth engagement.

✅ The upcoming events like:

📌 ”CitSci4Health” – The Second Global Scientific Conference “Citizen Science for Health”, 6 –7 November 2025, Zurich, Switzerland.

📌 ”ECSA2026” – International Scientific Conference, 4-6 March 2026, Oulu, Finland. Will serve as key opportunities to gather insights, test ideas, and deepen our network.