Data, Trust and Public Engagement: Citizen Science Through the Eyes of Researchers

Jakub Trojan
In my view, citizen science represents one of the most natural intersections between open science and the societal relevance of research. It is not just about the public helping to collect data. It is about a fundamental democratization of the entire scientific process. Research is no longer a closed domain of academia but becomes a living collaboration that anyone with curiosity and a smartphone can join.

At the same time, I see it as a key tool for implementing FAIR data principles. Projects that collect data systematically, with clear protocols and open licenses, are now entering international databases and contributing to research with global impact.

Alena Fornůsková
A significant one. I can see it clearly in the data we receive from the public as part of our monitoring project on the bicolored white-toothed shrew. Over three years, we have collected more than 250 records, including samples for genetic analyses. If we had collected this data on our own, it would have taken much longer and been far more expensive. At the same time, I see great value in involving the public – it allows us to show people what we do and why.

Michael Ležan
Citizen science has been part of open science from the very beginning. Recently, it has gained more attention due to sustainability requirements and research evaluation criteria. Public involvement in research is increasingly required as evidence of real impact. Projects focused solely on publications often end up ‘in a drawer’. With the growing number of AI-generated scientific outputs, citizen science is one way to demonstrate the authenticity, relevance, and verifiability of research. It also contributes significantly to the long-term sustainability of projects.

Jakub Trojan
We approach the entire data lifecycle as an integrated process – from the design of data collection to long-term storage and sharing. Setting the methodology correctly before launching a project is crucial.

Data go through a validation layer and are then shared in open repositories and platforms compatible with open science principles. The results are used not only in scientific publications but also in publicly accessible maps and interactive visualizations that are understandable even to the volunteers themselves. I consider it essential that people who invest their time can see what their contribution led to.

Alena Fornůsková
The public sends us their observations by email. We then enter them into an online database, where we record the location, date, and other relevant details. Photographs are stored in a separate repository and regularly backed up. We further analyze the data and use them in both scientific and outreach outputs. Feedback to contributors is also very important for us.

Michael Ležan
We collect data using sensors, store them in various repositories, make them accessible via APIs, and share them in open repositories. For example, we use the MQTT protocol. We also share instructions, develop hardware and software, and test new types of sensors.

The data are visualized and used to analyze microclimatic conditions – and are often used by citizen scientists themselves, for example in our ‘Sensors for Schools’ program, which has involved more than 300 students over the past three years. They actively use the data across subjects, even in interdisciplinary teaching.

Jakub Trojan
The biggest challenge lies in its greatest strength – the scale and diversity of contributors. Without a well-designed validation system, the volume of data may grow while their usability declines. Another issue is long-term sustainability and interoperability. Data collected ten years ago may be practically unusable today if they were not stored in a sufficiently described and transferable format. That is why I advocate that every project should include a data management plan (DMP) from the very beginning, and that institutions should have the capacity to manage these data even after the project ends. This is still an area where there is much room for improvement in the Czech Republic.

Alena Fornůsková
The main challenge is the quality and completeness of the data. In about 5% of cases, key information is missing or the species cannot be reliably identified. We try to contact contributors and complete the data – this is also part of collaborating with the public.

Michael Ležan
Data from the public often lack consistency – methodologies, devices, and placement vary. However, if standardized procedures are followed and parameters are validated, these data will be fully usable for scientific purposes in the future.

Jakub Trojan
It is essential to integrate citizen science into research evaluation and funding schemes. There is also great potential in connecting it with national data infrastructures. If we can create an environment where citizen science data naturally meet FAIR standards and are available for further research, their value will increase significantly. Community also plays a key role – the Czech and Slovak citizen science platform gives projects a shared voice and space for learning from one another.

Alena Fornůsková
In my opinion, systematic promotion of citizen science is crucial. It helps when these topics appear at public lectures, science festivals, or outreach events. Researchers should also have both the opportunity and motivation to include citizen science elements in their grant proposals. Institutional and methodological support is equally important.

Michael Ležan
We are already supporting further development together – researchers, the public, and the newly emerging citizen science platform in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It is clear that citizen science is growing rapidly here – and it is great to be part of it.