Citizen science is revolutionizing how we approach research and public engagement, but its full potential is often constrained by underlying technology. To address this, we are preparing a new COST Action proposal, Tech4CitSci: Enhancing Technological Foundations for European Citizen Science, and we are now inviting you to join in building this network.
What is Tech4CitSci?
The primary objective of this COST Action is to address structural gaps in the technological dimension of citizen science, including software, hardware, data management, user intefaces, human-machine interactions, digital infrastructure, etc. These gaps currently hinder key pillars such as widespread public engagement, scientific excellence, interoperability, long-term sustainability, and ethical integrity.
Through targeted networking activities like workshops, short-term scientific missions, training and summer schools, virtual exchanges, etc. our goal is to cultivate a interconnected ecosystem that bridges the technological, scientific, and citizen communities across the European landscape,
The network
At its core, the Tech4CitSci network will focus on three key goals:
- To accelerate the development and strategic alignments of interoperable tools and frameworks.
- To support innovation, knowledge valorization, technical training, and professional development.
- To recognize and reward the essential contributions of developers, open-source communities, and digital infrastructures.
Key thematic areas – proposed working groups
The work of the action will be structured around several key themes, each representing a proposed Working Group:
- WG1: Artificial Intelligence in Citizen Science: Exploring AI applications to automate data analysis and enhance pattern recognition in participatory research.
- WG2: User Experience (UX), Accessibility, and Inclusive Participation: Developing intuitive interfaces and tools that prioritize accessibility for diverse user groups.
- WG3: Web 4.0, Mobile Applications (Apps), and Internet of Things (IoT): Integrating decentralized web technologies, mobile platforms, and IoT devices for real-time data collection.
- WG4: Cloud and Edge Computing in Collaborative Environments: Leveraging distributed computing to support scalable data processing, with a focus on sustainable, low-energy practices.
- WG5: FAIR Data Principles: Promoting Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable data practices for citizen-generated datasets.
- WG6: Governance and Ethics of Technologies and Citizen Data: Establishing frameworks for ethical data handling, privacy protection, and transparent governance.
- WG7: Training and Professionalization: Coordinating project-wide training programs, mentorship, and certifications for CS-tech skills.
- WG8: Developer Ecosystem Integration and Open Infrastructures: Fostering connections with developer communities and building open infrastructures for reusable services.
How to get involved
We invite you to express your interest in joining the Network of Proposers for the official submission. Please submit your expression of interest by October 10th, 2025.
Click here to express your interest through this form
Note: To be formally included in the proposal submission, each individual must have a personal profile on the official e-COST platform.
Please remember that this initial network is specifically for the proposal submission phase. If the Action is approved, a formal management structure will be established, and participation will be open to a wider group of experts, including those not listed in the original proposal.
The final proposal will be submitted by October 21st, 2025.
Questions?
For any inquiries, please contact the proposal coordinators:
- Francisco Sanz: frasanz@ibercivis.es
- Fermín Serrano: fermin@ibercivis.es