Showcasing citizen science to promote changes and engagement in your community

Abstract

Result dissemination in Citizen Science is pivotal for raising awareness of pressing challenges. By witnessing their contributions' impact, citizens become empowered scientific agents, prompting shifts in habits and attitudes. The Citizen Science Office of Barcelona promotes various dissemination actions, from talks, workshops, and exhibitions at community centres, libraries, or city events, to cultural proposals that combine citizen science and artistic languages. Since 2016, the Office's programs have engaged nearly 14,000 neighbours and schoolchildren who have collected over 10,000 measurements. These actions have motivated citizens to tackle environmental and social challenges. In the process, they develop critical thinking and can propose changes and take action. Sharing results beyond the research community underscores that Citizen Science transcends mere evidence collection---it's integral to project success. Enhancing research-society interaction is crucial for magnifying research impact and societal change.