Open Research Forum on Citizen Science, 7-8 April 2025
To celebrate Citizen Science Month, join us for our next Open Research Forum, “Collaborative
Open Research Practices: Building Trust through Citizen Science” at the
University of Galway on 7-8 April 2025. With three events over two days, hosted
by the Open and Digital Research Team in the Library, this forum will showcase
how open research practices such as citizen science can improve scientific
transparency.
Monday 7 April,
5-6.30pm: Spéirscéalta book launch
Tuesday 8 April, 10-11.30am:
Open Research Forum presentations, followed by refreshments
Tuesday 8 April, 12-1pm: Building the Irish Citizen Science Network workshop with Oscar Diaz
Location (for all events): THB-G010, Hardiman Seminar Room, University of Galway
We will explore how
open, collaborative approaches can strengthen public trust in science,
fostering more inclusive and credible research outcomes. Additionally, we will
address the growing challenge of misinformation and its implications for
science communication. By examining strategies to combat misinformation and
uphold rigorous, open scientific standards, we aim to identify ways to
strengthen public confidence in research.
All events are open to researchers at ATU and the University of Galway.
Monday 7 April, 5-6.30pm: Spéirscéalta book launch
We are delighted to
invite you to celebrate the publication of Spéirscéalta – Stories of the Air, a bilingual collection of stories that
explores the air.
In conjunction with the Open Research Forum, the book will be launched by Oscar Diaz, the European Citizen Science Ambassador for Ireland, along with project lead Dr. Liz Coleman, lecturer in Physics, Climate, and Air Pollution.
Between 2021 and 2023,
the Stories of the Air project led walks, conversations, performances,
and creative workshops across Galway and Connemara, discussing the air and
collecting and generating stories. Spéirscéalta, the project book,
captures those stories and brings together scientific data and cultural
reflections and folklore to explore the atmosphere.
This free event is open to the public, and it will be of interest to anyone who enjoys science and art, sharing folklore, and protecting the environment against climate change.
Register here for the book launch.
Tuesday 8 April, 10-11.30am:
Presentations, followed by refreshments
The Forum
will feature a keynote lecture by Oscar Diaz, the European Citizen Science
Ambassador for Ireland, along with presentations from the Innovation Office and
researchers at the University of Galway.
Oscar Diaz, an architect and passionate advocate for citizen science, digital fabrication, and innovation in Fab Labs, continually contributes to community-driven research and engagement. As a Citizen Science Ambassador for the European Citizen Science project, he has led activities such as Mapping Ireland's Citizen Science Landscape survey and organizing the Citizen Science Café during European Researchers' Night 2024. These efforts, in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin's Community of Practice, have laid the groundwork for an Irish Citizen Science Network.
As a FabLab
manager, Oscar combines transdisciplinary research, public
engagement, and community collaboration to address complex challenges. By
leveraging FabLab resources, he empowers communities to prototype, innovate,
and contribute to open science. Committed to
inclusivity, Oscar ensures equitable participation, co-designing
projects that reflect diverse needs and fostering effective science
communication.
Agenda:
10.00-10.05: Opening
10.05-10.25: Keynote
-- Oscar Diaz, European Citizen Science Ambassador for Ireland/Enterprise
FabLab at Creative Spark Dundalk
10.25-10.40: Ruth
Hynes, Head of Research and Innovation Strategic Development
10.40-10.55: Dr. Liz
Coleman, Physics, Climate, and Air Pollution
10:55-11.10: Éle Quinn, Medicine/Evidence Synthesis Ireland: "The People's Review: A systematic review powered by the public"
11.10-11.30: Questions
and responses
Register here for the presentations.
Coffee break 11.30-12.00
Tuesday 8 April, 12-1pm: Building the Irish Citizen Science Network workshop with Oscar Diaz
After the break, Oscar will lead a workshop to grow the Irish Citizen Science Network. This session will continue to develop the Network, focusing on strategies to strengthen collaboration, shape policy, and identify funding opportunities.
Participants will be invited to share their insights on the network's progress and define potential roles in its growth and long-term sustainability. Researchers from both ATU and the University of Galway are welcome to participate in the workshop.
Register here for the workshop (included with the presentation registration
form).
For further
information, feel free to contact Dr. Jen Smith, Open Research Librarian.
We look forward to celebrating
citizen science with you!
Comments