In this policy brief, ISEED proposes an inclusive and participatory approach to decision-making modeled on Citizen Engagement in different forms of science-driven projects.

The conclusions of our research emphasize that the governance of science should embrace a range of interests and contributions coming from alternative styles of scientific research.  

To achieve this, we suggest ways for overcoming a naïve model of neutral and top-down type of expertise and supporting models of decision-making which also includes the contribution of citizens as providers of potentially valuable knowledge.  

In this policy brief, ISEED highlights the significance of Citizen Observatories, conceived as community-based networks that monitor and influence decision-making and policies on environmental, urban, and climate issues by collecting data.

These observatories mark a departure from traditional citizen science, aiming to establish enduring, community-driven scientific efforts and bottom-up science-based initiatives.

We propose viewing the work of Citizen Observatories as a chance to diversify and improve inclusivity within knowledge-driven democratic initiatives across Europe, while simultaneously boosting citizen engagement and scientific literacy.

In this policy brief, ISEED introduces an innovative method for empowering individuals in the management and use of their personal health data: Health Data Cooperatives (HDCs).

We analyse how HDCs can better promote a culture of data awareness and accountability, facilitating inclusivity and the active engagement of patients in their health management.

HDCs hold the potential to build a sense of community and purpose among participants once data responsibility and ways to ensure the continuous support of these community-centric initiatives are in place.

In this policy brief, ISEED proposes tackling low trust in science and lacking science literacy, as both can pose risks to democratic governance and foster populism.

To address this issue, ISEED suggests creating educational hubs in the form of Science Clubs, which are currently active in Uruguay as non-formal learning spaces for school-age children.

These hubs aim to build a scientific culture by involving community members in scientific projects through various research methodologies such as questionnaires and experiments.

Participation in such activities could enhance science literacy, support democratic processes, and foster collaborative discussions among children, youth, and teachers also in Europe.

In this policy brief, ISEED discusses how citizen science, as a form of social innovation, hinges on the widespread adoption of specific technologies, which can facilitate data collection and management, like mobile phones.

To be effective, a significant number of individuals must embrace these technological solutions. The goal is to cultivate familiarity with the technologies needed and to avoid technology becoming a barrier to participation.

ISEED, thus, points out that citizen science projects must not only engage people with the project’s issues but also encourage folks to adopt new technologies. The success of projects using mobile data collection technologies heavily depends on users’ attitudes towards the technologies.

In this policy brief, ISEED examines preferred methods for engaging citizens in the discussion of scientific topics and the barriers that deter people from participating in these discussions. 

ISEED presents an analysis of the findings from an online survey that gathered data on citizen-science interactions, with a particular focus on topics of global warming and climate change.

The study compared responses to two sources— a politician and a scientist — and two types of messages: rational and emotional. It sought to understand respondents’ preferences for participation methods and the obstacles they face in engaging online in dialogues between citizens and science stakeholders. 

In this policy brief, ISEED examines the impact of climate change discourse and political polarization on democratic regimes. It highlights how Twitter debates about Poland’s participation in the European Green Transition contribute to social and political divisions.

These online discussions (such as on Twitter), often dominated by simplistic slogans, tend to be more polarized than those in professional media. 

ISEED recommends engaging with public sentiments to develop strategies that encourage inclusive and informed dialogue on climate issues. Considering users’ perspectives on technology is crucial for the successful adoption and implementation of mobile data collection technologies.