Participatory Research
The ZLBI advises interested members of the University of Mannheim on various approaches to participatory research. One focus is on the citizen science approach. If necessary, close support in setting up and implementing a specific project by ZLBI staff can be considered.
Participatory Research
Participatory research refers to all research approaches in which scientific questions are investigated in a collaborative partnership between science, civil society actors, and, where appropriate, practical institutions. Civil society participation can take place at different stages of the scientific process, with the intensity and formats varying. The landscape of participatory research is diverse and encompasses a range of approaches and traditions, such as citizen science, transdisciplinary research, responsible research and innovation, and participatory science communication. The Guide (PDF, 5 MB) to Participation in Research provides guidance.
Citizen Science
Citizen science describes the active participation of individuals in scientific processes who are not institutionally affiliated with this field of science. This participation can range from short-term data collection to intensive use of free time to delve deeper into a research topic together with scientists and/
or other volunteers. (...) It is essential to adhere to scientific standards, which primarily include transparency with regard to the methodology of data collection and public discussion of the results.” (Weißbuch Citizen Science (PDF, 7 MB)). Citizen science is often associated with natural and environmental sciences, but it can also be used very effectively in other fields of research, such as the social sciences, economics, and the humanities. The breadth of the projects is illustrated by 15 vivid examples (PDF, 4 MB) from the second guideline for the promotion of citizen science projects by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for the period 2021–2024.
There are a few special considerations to keep in mind when planning and implementing citizen science projects. An initial overview is provided by the "10 Principles (PDF, 127 kB) for Good Practice in Citizen Science,” which were developed by a working group of the European Citizen Science Association (ECSA).
The approach may also vary depending on the target group being addressed; for example, it may make a difference whether young people or senior citizens are being addressed.
If you have specific questions or are interested in general, please feel free to contact us via Teams or email.
Example: Die Sprach-Checker
Ein konkretes Mannheimer Beispiel ist das Projekt „ – So sprechen wir in der Neckarstadt“ des Leibniz-Institut für Deutsche Sprache (IDS) in Kooperation mit . Im Rahmen der wissenschaftlichen Begleitung dieses Projekts entstanden die „10 Schritte für ein erfolgreiches Citizen Science-Projekt mit Kindern und Jugendlichen“
A concrete example from Mannheim is the project “Die Sprach-Checker – So sprechen wir in der Neckarstadt” (The Language Checkers – How we speak in Neckarstadt) by the Leibniz Institute for the German Language (IDS) in cooperation with TransforMA. As part of the scientific support for this project, the “10 steps for a successful citizen science project with children and young people” were developed.
Added value of Participatory Research
Why should the implementation of a participatory research project be considered? The various approaches to participatory research can be classified at a higher level as falling within the area of (knowledge) transfer. This area is highly valued both at the University of Mannheim (see also the structure and development planstructure and development plan on the intranet) and in the national scientific landscape. For example, the DFG promotes projects that support interaction and research with society. In addition to service learning and other formats of campus-community-partnerships, these can also be formats from the field of participatory research.
External Platforms and Material
- mit:forschen! Creating knowledge together – Citizen Science Platform Germany
- EU-Citizen.Science – Citizen Science Platform Europe
- Grünbuch Citizen Science Strategy (PDF, 1 MB) 2020 for Germany
- Weißbuch Citizen Science Strategy (PDF, 7 MB) 2030 for Germany
- Citizen Science for Everyone (PDF, 10 MB) – A Guide for Citizen Science Participants
Do you have an initial idea for a citizen science project but don't really know where to start? Or are you interested in participatory research approaches in general? Feel free to contact us via Teams or email.