The seminar is held in-person, but online attendance is possible via: https://aarhusuniversity.zoom.us/j/67482436575

Abstract

Have you ever considered using citizen science as a method for involving the public directly and meaningfully in your research? It can be done in any field and in a huge variety of ways - and yes, data from the public can be valid and reliable! In this seminar, Gitte Kragh from Science Studies at Department of Mathemathics at Aarhus University will provide an introduction to citizen science and some of the funding possibilities for public participation in scientific research.

In the second presentation of this seminar, Peter Danholt from Digital Design and Information Studies at Aarhus University will draw on main insights from the broad field of science, technology and society studies (STS), relevant to citizen science. One point is that science(s) and technology development is way too important and world transforming, to be left to a minority of so-called experts. Another is that science(s) has in fact never been secluded from society, instead science(s) and society are mutually implicated and thoroughly intertwined. Thirdly, science(s) rather than placing themselves as something that should be left alone and not to be disturbed by ‘public concerns’, needs to be re-thought. According to science studies scholar and Aarhus University honorary doctor, Isabelle Stengers, science(s) must work closely with those to whom it comes to matter, not just for democratic reasons, but also because this is how science(s) become better at posing problems. 

On a final note, Peter Danholt wishes to point to the importance of ‘engaging the data-moment’ as a matter of concern for all of us. The increasing digitisation and datafication of society is a moment that calls for mobilisation on multiple levels, especially since society is being digitally infrastructured in ways that few, if any, can fully grasp. 

Short Bio's of the speakers

Gitte Kragh is a postdoc at the Centre for Science Studies at Aarhus University with experience from citizen science projects from four continents. She is particularly interested in the interdisciplinarity required for successful citizen science projects within any discipline. Additionally, she works to facilitate researchers new to citizen science, enabling them to use citizen science as a methodology within their projects. Gitte is also a Board member of the European Citizen Science Association (ECSA).

Peter Danholt is an associate professor at the Department of Digital Design and Information Studies at Aarhus University. His main research field is Science, Technology and Society studies (STS) with specific focus on IT and digitization. He is vice chairman of the Danish Association of Science and TechnologyStudies (DASTS) and chief editor of the STS journal STS Encounters. He is currently part of the research centre SHAPE – Shaping Digital Citizenship at Aarhus University. He has published research on healthcare It and selfcare practices; digitization and governance of organizations; data in healthcare and social work and design practices.

What is an AIAS Seminar?

The AIAS Seminar is a session of seminars held by the AIAS fellow or by other speakers proposed by the fellows. In each seminar, one fellow will present and discuss his/her current research and research project, closing off with a question and discussion session.

All seminars are held in English.