How can we ensure that citizens, researchers, policy-makers, educators, and technologists all have a voice in shaping the future of science? That’s the question at the heart of the RIECS-Concept project, which is working to co-design a pan-European Research Infrastructure for Excellence in Citizen Science. The newly released Deliverable 4.1: Engagement Methodology Protocol offers a roadmap for doing just that.

What is Deliverable 4.1?

Deliverable 4.1 outlines a detailed engagement strategy for ten key stakeholder groups involved in citizen science. The document is a central milestone in the RIECS-Concept initiative and guides how partners across eight countries will coordinate efforts to involve diverse voices in co-creating the infrastructure.

Three Key Takeaways

1. Collaborative Coordination Across Europe

With 13 project partners working together, engagement activities are designed to be inclusive, flexible, and responsive. From workshops and surveys to interviews and public events, the protocol maps out how input will be gathered, shared, and integrated into project outcomes.

2. A Tailored Framework for Stakeholders

The protocol introduces an engagement framework based on maturity levels, principles, and best practices tailored to different audiences, including citizens, researchers, education systems, technology providers, and policy-makers. For each group, the document identifies their needs, challenges, and how to effectively communicate and collaborate with them.

3. Two Phases of Engagement

The methodology unfolds in two phases. The first focuses on initial engagement through structured activities. The second will refine the strategy based on feedback from a major stakeholder summit.

What’s Next?

Following the T5.1 Citizen Science Stakeholder Summit at the Ars Electronica Festival 2026, the engagement strategy will be updated and turned into a practical guide. This shorter version will encapsulate lessons learned and offer a clear path forward for others working to integrate citizen science into European research infrastructures.

Why It Matters

At a time when trust in science and public engagement is more critical than ever, this initiative is a major step toward more democratic, inclusive, and effective research practices. By involving a wide range of stakeholders from the start, RIECS-Concept aims to build a truly shared infrastructure for citizen science, one that reflects Europe’s diversity and potential.

Published 2025-08-20