CROPS (Curating, Replicating, Orchestrating, and Propogating Citizen Science across Europe)
In recent years, Citizen Science has gained momentum with advancements in digital and mobile tech. This collaborative approach, where the public helps scientists in collecting and analysing data, invites everyone to contribute to research. Global expansion of Citizen Science could harness vast data resources, driving impactful research. Yet, many Citizen Science initiatives start at a small-scale, facing barriers when attempting to upscale to a wider level. CROPS is an EC-funded Horizon Europe project (Grant Agreement N. 101131696) that steps in to address this challenge and enable Citizen Science initiatives to reach their full potential.
Description
To reach its goal, CROPS will identify the most suitable Citizen Science initiatives to be upscaled to the Europe-wide level. While doing so, the project will also develop protocols, resources, and examples of best upscaling practices.
CROPS will align its efforts with the Horizon Europe EU Missions, targeting Citizen Science projects aimed at addressing critical societal challenges such as Climate Change Adaptation; Cancer; Healthy Oceans and Seas; Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities; and Soil Health and Food.
CROPS implements an integrated approach involving four main activities:
- Appraisal of existing citizen practices, their activities and their suitability for upscaling;
- Creation of protocols and guidance for the upscaling of Citizen Science, replicating and building on best practice that exists;
- Identification and guidance on practical aspects such as open data sharing, sustainability, responsible research and innvation (RRI), and accessing funding opportunities;
- Development of transnational Citizen Science communities.
As CROPS continues to evolve and grow, it promises to bring Citizen Science and EU research to a new level. Keep an eye on this pioneering initiative by visiting its website or following CROPS on social media platforms (X, IG, Facebook, and LinkedIn).
Basic information
Coordinator
Partners
- Earthwatch, United Kingdom https://earthwatch.org.uk/science/innovation/
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Austria https://iiasa.ac.at/
- Ideas for Change, Spain https://www.ideasforchange.com/en/about
- European Schoolnet, Belgium http://www.eun.org/
- OutBe, Italy https://www.outbe.earth/
Programme
Horizon Europe (programme-horizon-europe)
Project Acronym
Target groups
college students, education authorities, general public, industry, policy makers, primary school students, researchers, secondary school students, teachers, trainee teachers, under school-age kids, university students, university lecturers, vocational school students, youth clubs
Topic
Information technology, Education
Start year
2024
End year
2026
Contact person
Mariana Denis Malta (Project Manager), mariana.malta@inova.business
James Sprinks (Principal Scientific Investigator), jsprinks@earthwatch.org.uk
CROPS strives to support and facilitate the growth of Citizen Science activities by developing protocols, guidelines, recommendations and other key resources to kick-start their journey towards expansion.
All materials will be disseminated to Citizen Science initaitives and their communities, empowering them to expand and fully realise their potential in bridging the gap between science and society.
Furthermore, the lessons learnt, in terms of enablers and barriers, will be recorded and disseminated in order to inform future Research and Innovation (R&I) systems, ensuring their capacity to conduct open and inclusive research.
Where possible all CROPS outputs are open and available on this page for download and viewing.
Papers
CROPS also recognizes the importance of integrating Citizen Science into education. Partnering with European Schoolnet and its initiative Scientix, CROPS aims to empower educators and students to participate in Citizen Science.
Here’s how:
- Teacher Training: CROPS will conduct training sessions for educators, empowering them to guide others in Citizen Science projects
- MOOC for Teachers: A Massive Open Online Course will equip educators with the knowledge and skills to involve students in Citizen Science projects.
- Educational Materials: Learning Scenarios will be disseminated to assist teachers in integrating Citizen Science into their curriculum.
- School-Level Activities: CROPS will identify best practices to integrate Citizen Science into STEM school strategies.
In addition, CROPS will recognise "champion" teachers who will showcase their success stories and inspire the youth to participate in Citizen Science projects and contribute to scientific advancements.