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. 

Schedule overview:

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.

We will also hear from The Air We Share project, which makes the invisible visible, by engaging with the issue of air quality through artistic interventions, citizen science and community action in Westside, Galway.

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!