Water Institute kick off ECIU SMART-ER Citizen Science Project

Prof. Fiona Regan and Ruth Clinton from the DCU Water Institute set off to UAB on 12th of September for the very first face to face kick off meeting of a new citizen science project under the ECIU SMART-ER programme. In this project a group of universities will come together with the aim of co creating SMART-ER Citizen Science Pilots to raise citizens’ awareness about environmental challenges and alternative resource management options related to water, biodiversity, waste, air, climate and energy. To do this, the group will create a “Citizen Arenas” as a platform in which all these alternative options are discussed including citizens’ interests, experiences and green community needs. The Citizen Arenas connect citizens and academia with the implementation of pilot projects in which citizens can experience first hand the benefits of shifting to new patterns of energy use, waste treatment and engage in monitoring water quality, air quality and climate parameters such as urban heat. The Citizen Arenas act as an amplifier where citizens can explain to other citizens their experience and solve problems and challenges facing the community. Explanations, guidance and help will be supported by the local researchers involved in this proposal.