In 2023 the Institute for Global Prosperity launched the UCL Citizen Science Academy (CSA) in collaboration with the UCL Office for Open Science. The Academy trains members of the public —referred to as citizen social scientists—to conduct research within their own communities, providing insights and delivering new solutions.
Through inclusive, practice-based education, participants gain skills in research design, ethics, and data collection, with the goal of informing local policy and driving social change.
The flexible Certificate programme includes six competency domains and is designed to support diverse future projects. Research findings are shared through various formats to promote community-led action and influence decision-making.
Lorraine, citizen scientist in east London
Joseph Cook (CSA Lead) and Twinkle Jayakumar (Citizen Scientist) talk about their work
We launched UCL CSA in May 2023, hear from our research teams, Prof. Henrietta Moore and UCL President and Provost Dr Michael Spence
Citizen social scientists trained by the UCL CSA presented their research findings on what the ‘good life’ to means to North Kensington residents
Citizen scientist in Camden
Prof. Henrietta Moore
The systems of power across the world are clearly in a state of flux. Institutions, those in government and leading are working to reimagine themselves in an age where gaining trust from those they represent is hard won, however we’re seeing communities step into the gaps where figures of authority haven’t yet risen to the challenge.
Eva Lamorgese
This article explores what citizen science is and how it can be used to drive change in local areas and communities.
Saffron Woodcraft
This article for the Municipal Journal looks at the role of place-based data based on lived experiences and co-produced with citizens for devolution.