How to Bring Science Closer to Citizens: The First Steps Towards Involving Citizens

Abstract

Građanska naučna istraživanja predstavljaju savremen pristup nauci koji uključuje širu javnost u prikupljanje podataka, analizu i predlaganje novih inicijativa u okviru različitih istraživačkih tema. Ovaj model saradnje između stručnjaka i građana omogućava demokratizaciju nauke i doprinosi boljem razumevanju lokalnih problema i potencijalnih rešenja. U ovom istraživanju, koje je sprovedeno u saradnji sa građanima volonterima, cilj je bio podizanje svesti o značaju očuvanja biodiverziteta i semena starih sorti. Učestvovali su građani različitih starosnih grupa, obrazovnih i profesionalnih profila, kao i interesovanja. Učesnicima su podeljeni upitnici sa sledećim pitanjima: • Da li su ranije čuli za građanska naučna istraživanja? • Da li bi želeli da učestvuju u ovakvim aktivnostima? • Da li su ranije bili volonteri? • Da li bi bili zainteresovani da postanu volonteri? Rezultati pokazuju da je veoma mali broj ispitanika prethodno čuo za građanska naučna istraživanja, dok je interesovanje za eventualno uključivanje u ove aktivnosti bilo znatno izraženije. Ipak, volonterske aktivnosti generalno nisu popularne među ispitanim građanima, a nijedan ispitanik nije izrazio konkretnu spremnost za aktivno učešće. Analiza odgovora prema kategorijama starosti, obrazovanja i zanimanja nije pokazala statistički značajne razlike, što ukazuje da niska informisanost i učešće nisu vezani za određenu demografsku grupu. Iako građanska naučna istraživanja mogu pružiti širu sliku problema i uključiti zajednicu u procese donošenja odluka, ovaj pristup još uvek nije dovoljno prepoznat. Niska informisanost može biti jedan od ključnih razloga za slabo interesovanje i pasivan odnos građana. Popularizacijom koncepta građanske nauke – naročito među mlađim generacijama – može se značajno doprineti podizanju svesti o važnosti očuvanja prirodnih resursa, kao i o ulozi svakog pojedinca u rešavanju lokalnih i globalnih problema. Uključivanje zajednice u naučna istraživanja ne samo da osnažuje društvenu odgovornost, već i obogaćuje samu nauku novim perspektivama i iskustvima.Citizen science research represents a modern approach to science that involves the general public in data collection, analysis and proposing new initiatives within various research topics. This model of cooperation between experts and citizens enables the democratisation of science and contributes to a better understanding of local problems and potential solutions. In this research, which was conducted in cooperation with volunteer citizens, the goal was to raise awareness of the importance of preserving biodiversity and seed of old varieties. This research involved citizens of different age groups and educational and professional profiles, as well as various interests. Participants were given Q&A questionnaires with the following questions: • Have they heard of citizen science research before? • Would they like to participate in such activities? • Were they volunteers before? • Would you be interested in becoming a volunteer? The results indicated that a very small number of respondents had previously heard about citizen scientific research, while the interest in possible involvement in these activities were significantly more pronounced. However, volunteer activities are generally not popular among the surveyed citizens, and no respondent expressed a specific readiness for active participation. Analysis of responses according to age, education and occupation categories did not show statistically significant differences, which indicates that low information and participation are not related to a certain demographic group. Although citizen science research can provide a broader picture of the problem and involve the community in decision-making processes, this approach is still not recognised. Low information can be one of the key reasons for the weak interest and passive attitude of citizens. Popularising the concept of citizen science – especially among younger generations – can significantly contribute to raising awareness of the importance of preserving natural resources, as well as the role of each individual in solving local and global problems. Community involvement in scientific research not only strengthens social responsibility but also enriches science itself with new perspectives and experiences