About the programme

We are the learning and support partner for UKRI’s Citizen Science Collaboration Grants (CSCG). This major investment aims to bring the general public into the research process. It builds on UKRI’s Citizen Science Exploration Grants (CSEG) programme, which funded 28 Citizen Science projects around the UK.

 

Lessons from the CSEG programme

Citizen science supports greater participation in research and innovation, bringing insights from traditionally ‘less heard’ voices, and highlighting questions that are meaningful to people in diverse communities.”

Richard Harries, former Associate Director, Institute for Community Studies

Explore the projects

These five teams have been working to involve people and communities in citizen science research projects. Funded by UKRI, the projects all involve a diverse range of organisations, including universities, museums, arts organisations, city councils, mental health charities, and grassroots community groups. The collaborations will generate valuable new insights by bringing the knowledge and expertise of the public together with that of researchers.

Ancient History, Contemporary Belonging

Through this project, young people of refugee background are working to increase understanding of ancient historical objects in Manchester Museum’s collections, and to challenge exclusionary narratives about refugees in the UK.

Citizens Researching Together, Bristol

In this project, people in Bristol, including African Caribbean communities, are addressing the history, and contemporary legacies, of transatlantic slavery in the city.

C-STACS (Citizen Science To Achieve Co-production at Scale)

People living with mental health problems are working to drive innovation in the treatment of mental health issues, and the support available to enable people to live as well as possible.

Homes under the microscope

Citizen scientists are working to investigate the extent of the microplastic crisis, exploring the presence of airborne microplastics in people’s homes to get a better picture of where these particles come from.

Youth LIVES (Lived experience Evidence Synthesis)

Young people with mental health problems are working to identify priorities for mental health research, and to design research that addresses any gaps.

Learning and sharing

Working with researchers and citizen scientists, the Institute for Community Studies supports learning between these projects, and also with the wider sector. This includes sharing research and reflections, and curating events.

Explore our Peer Research Network