• External knowledge institution,
• National organisation

• Methodology

Knowledge and strengths bundled - Citizen Science in the Netherlands

Final report of the Citizen Science working group - National Open Science Programme

There are many definitions and manifestations of citizen science. In addition, many innovations are currently taking place in this domain. For these reasons, the working group interprets the concept of citizen science as broadly as possible. Citizen science is scientific practice by people who do not (per se) work as professional scientists. In doing so, they often – and ideally – work together with professional scientists. The research questions can be put forward by citizen scientists or social organizations as well as by the scientists. Citizen science promotes the quality of research, contributes to the solution of complex issues, can provide new policy insights and instruments and has the potential to increase citizen scientists' involvement in and insight into scientific research.

With the present plan, the Citizen Science working group aims to give direction to the Dutch ambitions by stimulating mutual learning and by providing tools to policymakers, initiators and financiers8. The members of the working group are familiar with the way in which other countries organize and stimulate citizen science, and believe that the Netherlands can (and must want to) be a pioneer country in the next phase as well. The members of the working group propose an innovative course based on two core themes: network development and quality promotion.

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