Citizen science is the involvement of the public in scientific research – whether community-driven research or global investigations. The Citizen Science Association unites expertise from educators, scientists, data managers, and others to power citizen science.
Working together as part of a community with professionals, citizen scientists can play an important part in genuine scientific discovery, experiments, data collection and analysis. Through citizen science, ordinary people can take part in extraordinary research.
Citizen science projects cover a range of topics. Many have an environmental element, some are at the frontiers of molecular research, and some call on backyard astronomers to work together to scan for astronomical objects.
It is of benefit both to the researcher and to the citizen scientist. Through their contributions, the citizen scientist can actively pursue personal values, and be part of a research community seeking the same goals.
Citizen scientist assists with the collection and/or analysis of data. For example, recording observations of animals or plants, identifying animals or plants in photographs, sampling water quality and assessing air quality.
European Citizen Science Association (ECSA) - Ten principles of citizen science.