Citizen Science

What is citizen science?

Citizen science is when members of the public act as 'scientists' and collect data for a project, for example in academic research projects this is often research which involves observation of human or animal activity at a specific location such as the the observers local area or their own garden.

When do studies involving citizen science require ethics approval?

Citizen science projects only require ethics approval for 'research involving humans' if:

  • citizen scientists (CSs) are themselves collecting human data or samples
  • researchers are collecting detailed data about the CSs for purposes beyond maintaining contact, acknowledgements, and basic contextualisation of non-human data
  • researchers, their supervisor (if a student) or their School ethics committee identify ethical issues relating to CS participation in the research.

In borderline cases, some examples of when the need for human ethics approval may be triggered:

  • data about the CSs behaviour or characteristics are to be used in the research
  • detailed (and so identifiable) data describing the CSs location, household, or another personal environment will be published
  • sensitive personal data about citizen scientists will be collected and used within the project
  • collecting data will risk legal, reputational, psychological or physical harm to the CSs beyond that of everyday life or as mitigated by a risk assessment.

In these scenarios it is likely appropriate that, at the very least, a minimal application demonstrating a consent process and consideration of data protection and ethical issues be submitted.

When human ethics approval is not required researchers still need to adhere to data protection legislation and seek advice from Data Protection if processing personal data (definitions and contact points are given in the ethics topic Confidentiality and data protection ) 

If you are unsure or need more guidance, speak to your School ethics committee.

Research involving animals

For guidance on ethics and other approvals relating to research involving animals (including observational research) see the Research involving animals webpages.