Citizen science is often associated with the "big data" paradigm: collecting a large amount of simple data to address complex issues. However, recent projects have shown that far from being off-putting, a certain complexity in what is required can, on the contrary, be engaging, especially in the long term, by allowing an experience of participation that continues to be enriched over time.
Within Citizen Science, Mosaic is specialized in an original method of data production that we call Citizen Science 2.0. We assist projects aiming at collecting structured data (based on protocols/guidelines), often combining observations based on basic human skills with situated data, user’s knowledge, data enriched with high value information that only each individual participant can provide. Such data are then shared among participants, and interactions such as comments, validation, complementation, are encouraged and organized. This leads on one hand to high value data, often innovative compared to other form of data production, and on the other hand, to empowered participants that acquire knowledge and skills through their participation, as well than to structured, engaged and persistent communities of participants.
While these observations may seem self-evident once stated, they in fact prove to be somehow in contradiction with the orthodoxy of scientific data production and suggest that citizen science is not only transforming the nature of the data produced and the participants themselves, but also the way research is done.
Mots clés :
A103517RJ