Citizen Science 2015 Conference

San Jose, CA, February 11-12, 2015

Written by Sandra Arango-Caro

March 11, 2015

The Citizen Science 2015 was the inaugural conference of the Citizen Science Association (CSA). More than 600 people from 25 countries participated. Anyone involved in citizen science was invited to attend the conference. Attendees included citizen science participants, researchers, project leaders, educators, technology specialists, evaluators, and others ? representing many disciplines including astronomy, molecular biology, human and environmental health, psychology, linguistics, environmental justice, biodiversity, conservation biology, public health, genetics, engineering, cyber technology, gaming, and more ? at multiple levels of expertise.

The six main themes of the conference were:

• Tackling Grand Challenges and Everyday Problems with Citizen Science
• Broadening Engagement to Foster Diversity and Inclusion
• Making Education and Lifelong Learning Connections (K-12, university, informal)
• Digital Opportunities and Challenges in Citizen Science
• Research on and Evaluation of the Citizen Science Experience
• Best Practices for Designing, Implementing, and Managing Citizen Science Projects and Programs

Sandra Arango-Caro (right) speaking with another Citizen Science Conference participant about the MO DIRT program.