Australian Citizen Science Association Annual Report 2024 – 2024, Australian Citizen Science Association, December 2024
Chair’s Report
Year after year, citizen science continues to gain traction within both the scientific community and among policymakers. The Australian Citizen Science Association (ACSA) is increasingly being invited to contribute to research projects and engage in national science conversations. For example, ACSA is a partner on the Marine Pest Sectoral Committee and the Australian Open Science Network. Such roles provide critical opportunities to advocate for citizen science and influence governing strategies and plans.
This year ACSA has seen a substantial expansion in projects and partnerships. We are leading a capacity-building initiative for citizen science leaders in South Australia, This project aims to improve leadership and project management skills, which will ultimately improve sustainability of citizen science projects.
On the Great Barrier Reef, ACSA is reviewing citizen science projects to develop guidance and principles for both scientists and citizens. These will help ensure the success of citizen science projects and include guidelines on data protocols and standards for taxa and ecosystems connected to the GBR region, either directly or indirectly.
In another South Australian-funded project, ACSA is collaborating with the University of Adelaide, Atlas of Living Australia and SciStarter US to launch the pilot SciStarter Australia, a citizen science platform. The initial focus is on South Australian projects and the intention is to expand the platform nationally.
In Western Australia, ACSA is working with the University of Melbourne to expand ConnectUp, a platform that connects people with disabilities as well as carers to groups and activities suited to their capacities, needs, and interests. The platform is co-designed and populated by participants (citizen scientists), drawing on their real-life experiences and aspirations. ConnectUp was piloted in WA and the current project will expand the platform beyond WA borders.
ACSA hosted a successful citizen science conference on the Sunshine Coast in 2023, and preparations are already well underway for the next conference in Melbourne in Spring 2025. Our local chapters have been highly active, running events, advocating for citizen science, and spearheading projects. ACSA’s New South Wales chapter was established in June 2024, and the ACT chapter will be reinvigorated by the end of 2024.
On the international front, ACSA has been proactive as a member of the Citizen Science Global Partnerships board, helping to conceptualize international projects that elevate the role of citizen science and improve coordination across projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly through the United Nations Environment Programme.
We have also strengthened our connection with the New Zealand citizen science community through Lisa Evans, a general member of ACSA’s management committee. Lisa resides in New Zealand and is playing a key role in promoting citizen science in her adopted country.
Acknowledgements
I extend my gratitude to the ACSA management committee including Chapter Chairs for volunteering their time and energy to support the national body and promote citizen science in their networks. Many thanks to those who take on formal volunteer roles in communication and engagement, serving on national and international committees and assisting with administration. Thanks also to our patron, Dr Hugh Possingham, who readily provides sage advice on all things related to citizen science.
Finally, a heartfelt thanks to ACSA members for your ongoing commitment. Your support makes our work possible.
Annie Lane
ACSA Chair
