Periodic Reporting for period 2 - Impetus (Impetus)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2023-07-01 al 2024-12-31
The IMPETUS project aims to support and recognize Citizen Science (CS) in Europe. More specifically, the project was born to enable more diverse Citizen Science Initiatives (CSIs) to access funding, to bring CS closer to society and policy makers, to acknowledge CS’s role in tackling the greatest challenges of our times, and to enable CSIs to contribute to Green Deal (GD) and UN SDG commitments.
The main specific objectives of the IMPETUS project are:
• Opening routes to funding for a more diverse range of CSIs.
• Strengthening the bond between society and science.
• Recognising the role of citizen science in Europe.
• Enhancing the contribution of CS to achieving SDG and Green Deal targets.
The main specific objectives of the IMPETUS project are:
• Opening routes to funding for a more diverse range of CSIs.
• Strengthening the bond between society and science.
• Recognising the role of citizen science in Europe.
• Enhancing the contribution of CS to achieving SDG and Green Deal targets.
One of the key accomplishments of IMPETUS is the successful selection of numerous CSIs for the Accelerator Programme, which receive funding and extensive support. These initiatives benefit from training, mentoring, and networking opportunities that enable them to develop high-quality projects aligned with the United Nations SDGs and the European Green Deal. Additionally, the project facilitates the integration of citizen science into policymaking by producing policy briefs and hosting workshops to engage stakeholders, ensuring the continued relevance of citizen science in addressing pressing societal challenges.
A major achievement is the ongoing recognition of exceptional initiatives in the field through a prestigious award, further exemplifying the impact of citizen science in contributing to critical global issues such as sustainability, mental health, and environmental protection.
The Accelerator Programme itself provides intensive training and mentoring for the CSIs, equipping them with the necessary skills to enhance their projects. The training covers essential topics such as impact assessment, data management, sustainability, and policy engagement. Peer-learning activities and bootcamps also play a vital role in fostering collaboration, enabling CSIs to share knowledge and build stronger connections across Europe.
On the technical side, the project develops tools for monitoring and evaluating the progress of CSIs. This includes an impact assessment dashboard, which enables the visualisation of progress made by the CSIs in achieving their goals and maximising their contributions to the SDGs. The monitoring and evaluation tools offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of the support provided, ensuring the project remains aligned with its scientific objectives.
The project outcomes include enhanced integration of citizen science into policy frameworks, a significant increase in the diversity and reach of CSIs, and the establishment of a robust network of CSIs across Europe. IMPETUS demonstrates the growing importance of citizen science in achieving global sustainability targets, with measurable impacts in the development of high-quality datasets, increased public participation, and the generation of valuable scientific knowledge. These outcomes underscore the continued relevance of citizen science in addressing both local and global challenges.
A major achievement is the ongoing recognition of exceptional initiatives in the field through a prestigious award, further exemplifying the impact of citizen science in contributing to critical global issues such as sustainability, mental health, and environmental protection.
The Accelerator Programme itself provides intensive training and mentoring for the CSIs, equipping them with the necessary skills to enhance their projects. The training covers essential topics such as impact assessment, data management, sustainability, and policy engagement. Peer-learning activities and bootcamps also play a vital role in fostering collaboration, enabling CSIs to share knowledge and build stronger connections across Europe.
On the technical side, the project develops tools for monitoring and evaluating the progress of CSIs. This includes an impact assessment dashboard, which enables the visualisation of progress made by the CSIs in achieving their goals and maximising their contributions to the SDGs. The monitoring and evaluation tools offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of the support provided, ensuring the project remains aligned with its scientific objectives.
The project outcomes include enhanced integration of citizen science into policy frameworks, a significant increase in the diversity and reach of CSIs, and the establishment of a robust network of CSIs across Europe. IMPETUS demonstrates the growing importance of citizen science in achieving global sustainability targets, with measurable impacts in the development of high-quality datasets, increased public participation, and the generation of valuable scientific knowledge. These outcomes underscore the continued relevance of citizen science in addressing both local and global challenges.
The IMPETUS project delivers significant results, showcasing the contributions of CSIs to scientific research, social inclusion, and policy development. A key achievement is the generation of datasets and scientific publications, contributing to open-access resources and aligning with the project’s goal of promoting high-quality citizen-generated data.
The project has a strong social impact, engaging thousands of citizens, with a focus on social inclusion, ensuring representation from women, ethnic minorities, migrants, and individuals with disabilities. It also fosters diverse volunteer participation across various age and gender groups.
In terms of political impact, CSIs contribute to policy development through the creation of policy briefs and engagement with policymakers, embedding citizen science in decision-making on issues like urban planning and sustainability.
Economically, the funding and support for CSIs have created job opportunities and attracted additional funding, emphasizing the value of citizen science in driving innovation. The project has also led to environmental impacts, such as increased awareness and better practices in coastal management and ecosystem restoration.
Looking forward, IMPETUS continues to raise awareness of citizen science’s role in addressing global challenges like the Green Deal and SDGs. The development of new resources and ongoing scientific publications will ensure that the methodologies and knowledge gained from IMPETUS benefit the broader citizen science community, positioning the project to influence future research and policy.
The project has a strong social impact, engaging thousands of citizens, with a focus on social inclusion, ensuring representation from women, ethnic minorities, migrants, and individuals with disabilities. It also fosters diverse volunteer participation across various age and gender groups.
In terms of political impact, CSIs contribute to policy development through the creation of policy briefs and engagement with policymakers, embedding citizen science in decision-making on issues like urban planning and sustainability.
Economically, the funding and support for CSIs have created job opportunities and attracted additional funding, emphasizing the value of citizen science in driving innovation. The project has also led to environmental impacts, such as increased awareness and better practices in coastal management and ecosystem restoration.
Looking forward, IMPETUS continues to raise awareness of citizen science’s role in addressing global challenges like the Green Deal and SDGs. The development of new resources and ongoing scientific publications will ensure that the methodologies and knowledge gained from IMPETUS benefit the broader citizen science community, positioning the project to influence future research and policy.