Journal article
10 recommendations for strengthening citizen science for improved societal and ecological outcomes: A co-produced analysis of challenges and opportunities in the 21st century
PLoS One, Vol.21(7), pp.1-28
2026
PMCID: PMC13322523
PMID: 42384735
Abstract
Citizen science plays an increasingly important role in generating scientific knowledge and supporting environmental and social action. However, its potential to address complex global challenges remains underutilised. This study explores how citizen science can be improved by involving the public in all stages of scientific research. Using participatory research methods, online surveys and group discussions were conducted with researchers, citizen scientists, and Indigenous participants. Thematic coding was used to identify key challenges, opportunities, and best practices to enhance citizen science initiatives. Additionally, nine case studies were reported using the Standardised Data on Initiatives (STARDIT) reporting tool. The study identified key strategies for improving involvement, engagement and retention in citizen science initiatives. Findings underscore the importance of inclusive, evidence-informed approaches such as targeted outreach, fair compensation, tailored support, and co-creation practices. Ensuring data quality and fostering trust require adherence to FAIR data principles (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable), transparent validation and sharing processes, and establishing ethical research partnerships. Persistent challenges include short-term funding, which undermines long-term project sustainability, and the lack of centralised support for ethics and project management. Formal recognition of citizen scientists through co-authorship, standardised training, and professional development opportunities can further strengthen involvement and build capacity. Finally, emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and open data platforms, present opportunities to scale and improve efficiency, provided they are implemented with appropriate ethical safeguards and investment. Drawing together these insights, we provide 10 actionable recommendations for citizen science in the 21st century. These highlight the importance of embedding citizen science in national research infrastructure, education, and policy, alongside consistent evaluation and reporting, to improve its inclusivity, longevity, and impact. We conclude by arguing that as the world confronts climate change, public health crises, and biodiversity loss, broader public involvement in science is key for equitable, efficient and evidence-informed responses.
Details
- Title
- 10 recommendations for strengthening citizen science for improved societal and ecological outcomes: A co-produced analysis of challenges and opportunities in the 21st century
- Authors
- Jack S Nunn - Science for AllHåkon da Silva Hyldmo (Corresponding Author) - Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyLauren McKnight - UNSW SydneyHeather McCulloch - The University of AdelaideJennifer Lavers - Adrift Lab (Australia)Julie Old - Western Sydney UniversityLaura Smith - The University of QueenslandNicola Grobler - Queensland Trust for Nature (Australia)Cheryl Tan Kay Yin - Science for AllWing Yan Chan - The University of MelbourneCandice Raeburn - Science for AllNittya S M Simard - Sunshine Coast Council (Australia)Adam Kingsley Smith - Reef EcologicSam Van Holsbeeck - University of the Sunshine CoastEleanor Drinkwater - Western Sydney UniversityKit Prendergast - University of Southern QueenslandEmma Burrows - Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthChristopher L Lawson - The University of Queensland
- Publication details
- PLoS One, Vol.21(7), pp.1-28
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1371/journal.pone.0331161
- ISSN
- 1932-6203
- PMID
- 42384735; PMC13322523
- Copyright note
- © 2026 Nunn et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
- Data Availability
- All data files are available from the Open Science Framework database (https://osf.io/mws4b/files/xczmv). Additionally, all STARDIT reports created as part of this project are publicly accessible, and links to them are available in the STARDIT report associated with this initiative STARDIT.wikimedia.org.au/wiki/0202407220511.
- Grant note
- The project funding, awarded to Science for All, is provided by the Australian Academy of Science’s Theo Murphy Initiative through the Australian Citizen Science Association.
- Organisation Unit
- Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; Forest Industries Research Centre; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991242326502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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