Here you find publications in the field of citizen science from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna in the year 2019.

Does Biochar Improve Resilience of Plants to Drought Stress

Involved BOKU Authors: Rebecca Hood-Nowotny, Anna Wawra, Andrea Watzinger and Elisabeth Ziss

Institute: Institute of Soil Research

Type of Publication: Article

Journal: Citizen Science: Theory and Practice

Date of Publication: 29th October 2019

Abstract:

Citizen science is a powerful tool for collecting data in inaccessible places and at scales that would otherwise not be possible. Studies using complex, laboratory-based technical analysis with samples derived from easy to conduct experiments could also capitalize on this approach, by including the public in the experimental undertaking. This approach offers practical communication opportunities to raise awareness about the scientific method.

We used an experimental citizen science approach in order to communicate the concept of land based carbon sequestration and the potential role of biochar (i.e. charcoal added to soil). We aimed to assess drought resilience of pot plants in soils amended with biochar. In this case study, the authors describe their experiences they have gained in this project.

You can find the full text here: https://theoryandpractice.citizenscienceassociation.org/articles/10.5334/cstp.195/

Citizen Science in Austria

Involved BOKU Authors: Daniel Dörler and Florian Heigl

Institute: Institute of Zoology

Type of Publication: Article

Journal: Mitteilungen der Vereinigung Österreichischer Bibliothekarinnen und Bibliothekare

Date of Publication: 22nd August 2019

Abstract:

Citizen Science, the active involvement of lay people without any academic education in the project specific scientific process, has experienced a massive increase in academic fields and projects in the last years. This active involvement can be designed in many different ways, which is often project and context specific. The popularity of citizen science goes hand in hand with the discussion about open science, and in fact both concepts are deeply connected with each other in many ways. Whereas in open science lay people don’t have to be involved in a project necessarily, citizen science often uses

open science methods and tools to make this active involvement possible. In this text, the authors will give a short introduction to citizen science, its connections to open science, and the developments of citizen science in Austria in the last years and in the future.

You can find the full text here: https://journals.univie.ac.at/index.php/voebm/article/view/2836

Opinion: Toward an international definition of citizen science

Involved BOKU authors: Florian Heigl and Daniel Dörler

Institutes: Institute of Zoology

Type of Publication: Opinion

Journal: PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America)

Date of Publication: 23th April 2019

Abstract:

In a publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS), the Working group on quality criteria for citizen science projects on Österreich forscht, presented the one year process of developing transparent criteria for deciding which projects should be listed on Österreich forscht to the scientific community. In this opinion piece, they also moved beyond the Austrian border and suggested to develop the same process we had in Austria on an international level to set minimum standards for citizen science projects. Such a process would ensure that CS projects are rigorous, help the field flourish, and where applicable encourage policymakers to take CS project data and results seriously.

You can find the full text here: https://www.pnas.org/content/116/17/8089