A methodological approach to co-design citizen science communication strategies directed to quadruple-helix stakeholders

Abstract

Citizen Science (CS) can help change the paradigm of science communication. To test this, 38 ongoing CS projects from Italy, Portugal and Spain have been selected by the H2020 NEWSERA project to act as pilots in the development of communication strategies, specifically targeting stakeholders in the quadruple helix. The projects, together with stakeholder representatives and science communication and journalism professionals participated in a series of workshops — #CitSciComm Labs — where communication strategies were co-designed, using adapted design-thinking methods. The innovative methodological approach is hereby presented and can be an inspiration for others willing to implement improved communication strategies to target different stakeholders.

Keeping participants engaged in citizen science projects: the role of science communication strategies

“…Among them were that a communities' gatekeepers can contribute as facilitators; they can open the opportunity to get in touch with communities and further keep them engaged across time (Figure 2) 1 In terms of communication techniques that might be most effective in increasing the levels of engagement or keeping them high, a lot of suggestions and examples were provided, many of them coming from the experience of the participants, and many others coming from the lively dialogue that took place. Some of them further support what the NEWSERA team and their communities of practice already established during their Citizen Science Communication Labs [9] and is also being explored by others at the European level, under mutual learning exercises [10].…”

Citizen Science in Meteorology: Enhancing Weather Understanding through Innovative Instrumentation and Community Engagement

“…Volunteers willing to use MT during their normal activities were recruited in Genoa Municipality, one of the I-CHANGE LLs, through various channels, including social media, community outreach events, and collaboration with local schools and environmental organizations [27] in agreement with the quadruple helix approach [21]. Engagement strategies, such as training workshops, educational materials, and interactive data visualization tools, were employed to motivate and retain participants [3].…”

Inclusion, reflection and co-creation: responsible science communication across the globe

“…At the science-society interface, co-creative practices are not only used to co-create research and innovation trajectories, but also to co-create science communication itself. This development is elucidated by the contribution of Magalhães et al [2022] to this special issue. Their practice insight tells the story of the citizen science scicomm labs initiated by the NEWSERA project.…”