A question of dialogue? Reflections on how citizen science can enhance communication between science and society
Katherin Wagenknecht, Tim Woods, Christian Nold, Simone Rüfenacht, Silke L. Voigt‐Heucke, Anne Caplan, Susanne Hecker, Katrin Vohland
Abstract
Citizen science is a transdisciplinary approach that responds to the current science policy agenda: in terms of supporting open science, and by using a range of science communication instruments. In particular, it opens up scientific research processes by involving citizens at different phases; this also creates a range of opportunities for science communication to happen This article explores methodological and practical characteristics of citizen science as a form of science communication by examining three case studies that took different approaches to citizens' participation in science. Through these, it becomes clear that communication in citizen science is ‘÷always’ science communication and an essential part of “doing science”.