ECS our archipelago of citizen science voices at the ECSA2026
Carolina Doran
Doran,
Feb. 16, 2026, 8:14 a.m.
Almost at the end of the ECS project we can see the amazing legacy it has built. A now more connected and stronger community is richer in infrastructure, connections and resources. Our 28 ECS ambassadors strengthen their local networks and enriched us all with unique knowledge from their corner of the world; Our inclusive pilots worked with different communities across Europe to include them in the research and decision making processes regarding issues affecting them; we build bridges between local and global policies, we developed the first European Citizen Science Academy where everyone can expand their knowledge of CS; we developed novel ways to measure the impact of our work and how to be more inclusive across domains and borders.
Celebrate this legacy with us through the many panels, workshops, talks and posters the ECS consortium will be showcasing during the conference. Detailed schedule of all the ECS sessions here.
Building citizen science capacity in European countries - lessons from the European Citizen Science ambassadors network
This panel aims to explore lessons from ECS Ambassadors Network about building citizen science in their countries, highlighting case studies, challenges, opportunities, and the essential needs for future projects and inclusive citizen engagement strategies.
Link to the session: https://nomadit.co.uk/conference/ecsa2026/p/17132
Can citizen science contribute to decolonising forest management?
This workshop explores how and to what extent citizen science applied to forest governance can decolonize forest management, e.g. through approaches grounded in Indigenous and grassroots knowledge. Participants are invited to share lessons on empowering citizens and improving forest governance.
Link to the session: https://nomadit.co.uk/conference/ecsa2026/p/17138
Citizen science across Europe: From national strategies to shared policy goals
Citizen Science is evolving differently across Europe. This roundtable draws on nation-wide workshops in Spain, Portugal, and Poland to explore how national policy strategies and EU-level efforts can align to support CS policy implementations and tackle shared societal challenges.
Link to the session: https://nomadit.co.uk/conference/ecsa2026/p/17122
Developing the European Citizen Science Academy - lessons learnt
The European Citizen Science Academy (ECS Academy) is part of the European Citizen Science project. The session presents lessons learnt in developing this European academy, its outputs, such as networks and frameworks, and the next steps as the project comes to its final stages.
Link to the session: https://nomadit.co.uk/conference/ecsa2026/p/17133
Equity in Evidence: Rethinking research assessment in citizen science
Citizen science brings diversity, equity, and real-world relevance to research, but current assessment systems often fail to recognise it. This session explores how to reform research evaluation to support inclusive, participatory, and impactful science.
Link to the session: https://nomadit.co.uk/conference/ecsa2026/p/17111
How can citizen science projects be designed to foster nature connectedness? An Exploratory Study.
Citizen science (CS) projects have the potential to foster nature connectedness (NC), however less is known about how CS project design can nurture such connection. We share a systematic review of CS and NC literature and examples to spark discussions about CS project adaptations.
Impact assessment and inclusiveness in citizen science
This panel explores how to assess the inclusive impact of citizen science without turning participants into study subjects. It invites approaches that promote meaningful, non-intrusive impact assessment, especially for marginalised communities, while ensuring safe, empowering participation.
Link to the session: https://nomadit.co.uk/conference/ecsa2026/p/17118
Inclusive Citizen Science in practice: Learning across borders
This session by the Inclusive Citizen Science group explores how to embed inclusivity in citizen science. Through case studies and collaborative discussion, it aims to share strategies, address challenges, and generate practical recommendations for inclusive, impactful research.
Link to the session: https://nomadit.co.uk/conference/ecsa2026/p/17121
Influencing policy through citizen science: Case studies and lessons learned
This panel explores how citizen science can inform policymaking across research fields and policy sectors. We invite case studies that highlight the potential of CS to shape public and/or institutional policy and offer insights into mechanisms, enabling conditions, obstacles, and lessons learned.
Link to the session: https://nomadit.co.uk/conference/ecsa2026/p/17124
Mainstreaming citizen science
ECSA, ECS and RIECS-Concept strengthen connections between citizens, researchers and policymakers, co-creating frameworks for a resilient, inclusive and trusted citizen science landscape that is open, sustainable, and central to European research communities.
Science communication and citizen science in Ireland: A national case study on connecting research, practice and policy
A national case study on connecting science communication and citizen science in the Irish public engagement ecosystem. A multi-stakeholder approach will bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, to explore EU platforms as support for sustainable national collaborations.
Link to the session: https://nomadit.co.uk/conference/ecsa2026/p/17087
Transnational approaches for diversity: interconnecting and integrating citizen science and science communication ecosystems open to all
This panel will discuss the potential synergies, challenges, and opportunities inherent to the collaboration and sustainability of European ecosystems for science communication and citizen science. The panel will be chaired by convenors from both the ECS and COALESCE projects.
Link to the session: https://nomadit.co.uk/conference/ecsa2026/p/17087