Biomedical Citizen Science

Illustration with people depicted engaging in scientific activities around a globe

Citizen science is a collaborative approach to research that involves the public, not just as subjects but as direct collaborators and research partners. This field encompasses all research that involves public participation in the scientific process to increase knowledge and understanding.  Members of the public may be in involved in any part of the research process, from data collection, analysis, and results interpretation to developing creative approaches to solve important problems.  These partnerships, through mutual interest and meaningful contributions, are able to accelerate scientific discovery, technological development, and innovation.

Citizen science and similar approaches to research are part of the broader field of open innovation, where different groups work together in non-traditional, collaborative ways to solve important societal problems.

The NIH supports many citizen science projects and other open innovation activities across all institutes and centers.

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    Resources for Biomedical Citizen Science Research

    Information on citizen science and biomedical research, including links to NIH and external resources for conducting and supporting citizen science activities.

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    NIH Citizen Science Working Group

    The NIH Citizen Science Working Group is comprised of over 100 members including program officers, scientific review officers, intramural investigators, and other staff from across NIH. View working group and other NIH contact information.

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    Partnering with the Public for Biomedical Research Seminar Series

    This seminar series highlights the variety of methods used by different organizations who have successfully partnered with various communities to advance research. Open to the public.