Throughout Germany, citizens are invited to participate in citizen science projects. The competition "On your marks! Citizen Science in your city" competition aims to promote the exchange between science and society at the local level. The deadline for applications is 19 June 2022.
The competition invites committed actors from the fields of science, civil society, municipal administration and business to develop citizen science activities in cooperation with citizens to conduct research on their own doorstep. The competition promotes ideas that make research tangible for everyone and provide impulses for sustainable cooperation between science and civil society. The competition aims to make Citizen Science visible in cities and municipalities as a participatory and profitable research approach.
"Citizen Science is a driver to explore the small and big questions of the future together with citizens," says Bettina Stark-Watzinger, Federal Minister of Education and Research. "Especially in the local and regional context, this cooperation can contribute to science-based and sustainable development and further strengthen the important dialogue between science and society!"
"Research museums are increasingly and more actively engaging in an open dialogue with society. They exchange ideas with people from a wide range of backgrounds and social groups. Researchers are looking for other words to explain science, to listen, to discuss, to experiment and to acknowledge the knowledge of others. Civic participation, active dialogue, participation and collaboration are the focus, not one-way communication. From this two-way exchange, entirely new perspectives on acute scientific challenges, such as climate change or the loss of biodiversity, can emerge." (Prof. Johannes Vogel, Director General Museum für Naturkunde Berlin)
About the competition:
The competition is carried out in a two-stage application process: From all applicants, the jury will select five finalists, who will each receive 5,000 euros for further concept development. Finally, three concepts will be awarded a prize of 50,000 euros each to implement their citizen science ideas on site. The jury is made up of representatives from science, civil society, administration and business and offers a wide range of perspectives and practical experience.
The competition "On your marks! Citizen Science in your city" is organised by Wissenschaft im Dialog and the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin in close cooperation with the citizen science platform Bürger schaffen Wissen. The joint project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
Applications are open until 19 June 2022 at www.citizenscience-wettbewerb.de.