Taking part in research: A guide for citizen scientists on environmental and climate considerations
ModulesTaking part in research: A guide for citizen scientists on environmental and climate considerations
By the end of this micro-module, learners will understand how to participate responsibly and ethically as citizen scientists in environmental and climate-related research, while recognising their rights, responsibilities, and the potential environmental and social impacts of their participation.
By the end of this micro-module, learners will be able to:
- Understand the role of citizen scientists in environmental and climate research.
- Recognise their rights and responsibilities as participants.
- Identify key information they should know before participating, including the project purpose, funding, organisations involved, and use of results.
- Recognise the environmental and social impacts of research activities and results.
- Understand the role of the Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) principle.
- Know what questions or concerns to raise with the project team.
- Reflect on whether a research activity is safe, transparent, respectful, and ethical.
- Recognise when additional safeguards may be needed, such as in health, life sciences, or biosecurity research.
What is this about?
This module is for citizen scientists taking part in research that may have environmental or climate implications, including projects linked to the European Green Deal1 . This means being actively involved in activities such as collecting data, interpreting results, or contributing to project decisions. It is designed to help you participate responsibly, understand how your contributions support environmental and climate knowledge and the Do No Significant Harm (DNSH)2 principle, and avoid actions that could unintentionally cause environmental or social harm.
At a glance, the module helps you understand:
- Your rights as a citizen scientist, including receiving clear information, choosing whether to take part, and stopping your participation at any time
- Your responsibilities, such as following project instructions, acting honestly and carefully when collecting or sharing data, and respecting the environment and others involved
- How your participation can support research that is respectful to the environment and climate and contributes to positive outcomes for communities and ecosystems
Key considerations for citizen scientists
Taking part in environmental and climate research means understanding the project, knowing your rights, and contributing responsibly while considering potential impacts on people and the environment. Key considerations:
- Know the project's purpose, who is involved and funding it, what your role will be, and how your contributions and data will be used and shared. The Embassy of Good Science
- Participation should be informed and voluntary, and you can withdraw. Understand how your privacy and data are protected, how your contribution will be recognised, and how local or community knowledge will be handled. The Embassy of Good Science
- Follow project protocols, collect and report data honestly, respect people's privacy, and minimise disturbance to nature. Use project technologies responsibly and raise questions when something seems unsafe, unclear or potentially harmful. The Embassy of Good Science
- Respect other participants and communities, support inclusive participation, and be transparent about personal, professional or organisational interests that could influence your contribution.
Taking Part in Research: A Guide for Citizen Scientists on Environmental and Climate Considerations
Your responsibilities as a citizen scientist
1. Act with honesty and care
Follow project protocols, record observations accurately, and report mistakes or uncertainties. Do not fabricate, falsify, or selectively report data.
2. Respect people’s privacy
Avoid collecting or sharing identifiable personal information without consent, and take care when sharing images, maps, or sensitive location data.
3. Respect nature and local rules
Follow rules for protected areas, minimise disturbance to wildlife and habitats, and do not collect samples without permission. If an activity seems harmful, stop and contact the project team.
4. Use technology responsibly
Use official project tools, keep your devices and accounts secure, and report technical problems that could affect data or privacy.
5. Support inclusion and respect
Respect other participants, communities, and public spaces, and avoid activities that may cause unnecessary disturbance or restrict others.
6. Be open about your interests and roles
Tell the project team about personal, professional, organisational, or community interests that could influence your participation or interpretation of the data.
