LOOKING BACK AT 2023

In 2023, our primary focus remained steadfast in supporting and informing the Flemish citizen science community. We provided tailored advice to 55 projects and we ignited inspiration in numerous individuals through 29 lectures, workshops and events. In May, we organised an interactive workshop designed for local governments, support personnel in research institutions, museums, and libraries. During this workshops, participants engaged in the exchange of challenges and solutions related to implementing citizen science. Additionally, we contributed our expertise to 5 review processes.

In 2023, we were also internationally active. We contributed to 8 international working groups and delivered 7 lectures and workshops to an international audience. Several collaborations with Flemish and international partners resulted in interesting publications. Furthermore, we launched a quarterly English newsletter, featuring key citizen science updates. 

We expanded our own knowledge and expertise through active participation in research partnerships. Our citizen science project on AI, amai!, in collaboration with the Knowledge Centre Data and Society, marked a highly successful third edition. Over the three past cycles, citizens contributed nearly 1,000 ideas. This enthusiasm resulted in the submission of 34 (!) project proposals during our open call, with 5 ultimately securing funding. We also initiated NieuwsWijsNeuzen (‘NewsKnowItAlls’), a research project aimed at enhancing the resilience of children aged 8 to 12 against disinformation. Last year, we took the first steps to establish a checkpoint for identifying disinformation on social media. 

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2024

Get ready for a year of jubilation! Scivil marks its fifth anniversary, and we’re marking this milestone with a series of exciting events and projects: From an inspiring afternoon at our offices in Leuven, to a festive networking day and an EOS Special dedicated entirely to citizen science. Building upon the successes of 2023, the amai! project is gearing up for its fourth edition, with a special emphasis on low-tech environments. In NieuwsWijsNeuzen, student citizen scientists will step into the role of fact-checkers within the checkpoint. Moreover, two new project are set to kick off: Citizens4Water aims to create an international inventory of citizen science projects on the topic of freshwater, while in a program for innovation procurement on noise, we are experimenting with different strategies for recruitment and logistics to enable citizens to carry out noise measurements. 

So, with lots of exciting things in the pipeline, we look forward to seeing you soon!