citizen science project

Washington State University researchers report that citizen science projects are advancing understanding of how grasses adapt to their environments. By drawing on observations contributed by volunteers, scientists can gather data on grass populations across wide geographic areas that would be difficult to collect alone. The findings highlight the growing role of public participation in ecological and climate-related research.

A new citizen science project is recruiting volunteers to help search for black holes that have not yet been discovered. Participants will contribute to astronomical research by analyzing data that scientists could not process alone. The initiative highlights the growing role of public participation in astrophysics, allowing amateurs to aid in identifying candidate black holes across large datasets.

A new study from University of Connecticut researchers points to strong demand for volunteer help in botanical research, calling on plant enthusiasts to contribute observations and data through citizen science projects. Researchers say amateur naturalists can fill gaps that professional scientists cannot cover alone, particularly in tracking plant species and biodiversity change.

NASA currently lists 49 citizen science projects that anyone can join, with no citizenship required. The projects, also called participatory science, let volunteers and amateurs contribute to real research, and participants have already helped make thousands of important scientific discoveries. The list is being shared widely as an invitation for the general public to get involved in space and earth science.

The Northwest Winter Raptor Survey Project is preparing to highlight 22 years of community science, in which volunteers have helped track wintering birds of prey across the Pacific Northwest. The milestone celebrates the long-running effort's contributions to understanding raptor populations and the role of citizen volunteers in regional conservation research.