06.10.2026 –, Tagungsraum Sprache: English
Citizen science projects aim to generate scientifically robust data while simultaneously fostering meaningful public engagement in research processes. In practice, however, this can lead to conflicting objectives.
This dialog session presents a concrete practice-based case study illustrating how well-intended engagement and dialogue formats designed to increase participation and visibility may conflict with research requirements, as they can introduce potential biases affecting data quality. Our citizen science project “Phytowatch” engages South Tyrolean citizens as “green detectives” who collaborate with researchers from Laimburg Research Centre to identify potential host plants of certain bacteria called phytoplasmas in their local environments. Participants are asked to observe garden and wild plants and report suspicious symptoms, after which selected samples are analysed in the laboratory to verify potential phytoplasma infections. The project aims to improve knowledge of the territorial presence of phytoplasmas and to identify alternative host species, while raising awareness about plant diseases and plant protection among the local population.
Together with participants, the session will explore key tensions encountered in everyday project implementation, such as the impact of public engagement measures on data reliability and the relationship between standardized data collection protocols and open, participatory formats.
The session will be jointly led by a research manager, a science communication specialist, and the scientific project lead, ensuring the integration of complementary perspectives on citizen science practice.
The dialog session invites participants to share their experiences and perspectives on tensions between public engagement and research goals, reflecting on these challenges from the viewpoints of research practice, science communication, and citizen science. The aim is to jointly explore how engagement and research objectives can be transparently negotiated and strategically aligned, in order to balance scientific rigor with participatory ambitions and, ultimately, strengthen trust in citizen science processes.
Speakers:
Julia Rizzo: Science Communication
Katrin Janik: Research
Jennifer Berger: Research Management
Head of Science Communication at Laimburg Research Centre (South Tyrol, Italy)