Inclusive Communication in Citizen Science Projects: A Necessity for Engagement and Equity

Communication plays a pivotal role in the success of Citizen Science projects. It bridges the gap between scientists and citizens, fostering collaboration and inclusivity. As per Principle 5 of the Swiss Citizen Science Principles, clear communication of expectations is essential for effective project execution. This principle underscores the need for addressing different interest groups appropriately to ensure mutual understanding and cooperation.

Carina Veeckman is working as a senior researcher and PhD candidate at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, research group SMIT – Digital Inclusion & Citizen Engagement. She is the principal investigator for citizen science and is researching the democratizing potential of this participatory method.

Nikola Stosic, Project coordinator Citizen Science at the Science et Cité Foundation.

One of the projects presented at ECSA24 was the Urban ReLeaf project. This initiative promotes collaboration between local communities and public authorities to tackle urgent climate issues such as urban greenspace planning, heat stress, and air pollution. By involving citizens in environmental monitoring, the project aims to create greener, more equitable, and resilient cities.

The Urban ReLeaf project recently released an open-access deliverable titled "Blueprint for Inclusive Citizen Science Engagement", and published by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.  This comprehensive report addresses the importance of inclusive engagement strategies, especially for marginalized communities that face significant environmental and climate injustices. The blueprint is a roadmap for more equitable engagement in Citizen Science, providing guidance for other projects aiming to diversify their participant base.

The Importance of Inclusive Communication

Inclusive communication is an approach designed to involve as many people as possible by recognizing and supporting various ways individuals understand and express themselves. This approach is crucial for reducing inequality, promoting social inclusion, ensuring equal access, and fostering participation and interaction. Here are some key aspects of inclusive communication that were gathered during roundtable discussions «Ways to Enhance Diversity and Inclusivity in Citizen Science» with the Urban ReLeaf project:

1. Clear Language: Use a writing style that is easy to understand, regardless of the reader's level of education. Sentences should be concise, ideally 15 to 20 words long.
2. Clear Layout and Design: Enhance readability, comprehension, and accessibility with thoughtful design. Use authentic images and ensure the content is visually appealing and easy to navigate.
3. Inclusive Language: Acknowledge diversity, convey respect, be sensitive to differences, and promote equal opportunities through the language used.

Practical Actions for Inclusive Communication

To foster inclusive communication, consider the following actions:

• Profile: Adapt content to different age groups, provide translations for deaf people, use diverse channels and mediums, engage participants in the field, upscale information levels as needed, use gamification as a motivator, and focus on building relationships rather than large numbers.
• Language: Use non-academic language, remove unnecessary information, provide translation services, and ensure the content is neither too simple nor too complex.
• Layout: Address challenges such as color blindness by choosing appropriate colors, use readable font sizes and styles, include more images than text, and avoid stereotypical photos.
• Iteration/Co-creation: Pre-check and iterate content, proofread thoroughly, and co-create materials with the target audience to ensure relevance and inclusivity.
• Technology: Make links easy to click, provide open access to materials, ensure device responsiveness, and use social media for advertising.

Conclusion

Inclusive communication ensures that diverse perspectives are heard, data quality is improved, and public trust in scientific outcomes is fostered. By adopting the strategies mentioned above, Citizen Science projects can enhance their inclusivity and effectiveness.

For more detailed guidance, we encourage you to consult the Urban ReLeaf Blueprint for Inclusive Citizen Science Engagement. This resource offers a comprehensive guide divided into four phases and eight steps, with additional templates, providing valuable insights for cities and projects aiming to engage a greater diversity of participants.