Advancing the Participatory Sciences

Participatory sciences include community science, citizen science, community-based monitoring, volunteer research, and more — research and monitoring efforts that depend on knowledge, insights, or observations from members of the public.

AAPS is a professional society uniting those working to advance knowledge through research and monitoring done by, for, and with members of the public.

What We Do

Members of the Association for Advancing Participatory Sciences are building, sustaining, researching, and advancing these projects — they are scientists, project managers, educators, evaluators, researchers, students, community leaders, policymakers, communicators and more. By uniting across disciplines, roles, and perspectives, members advance their own work and this field as a whole.

Together We Advance the Field

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Find Resources?

AAPS resources highlight the innovative practices that lead to powerful partnerships for discovery, learning, and action.

Find resources

Make Connections?

Engage in cross-cutting conversations about ideas and practices, ask questions, find job opportunities, attend exclusive field-building events, and grow your network with connections to practitioners from across disciplines, roles, perspectives, and places.

Join AAPS Connect

Make Things Happen?

Our Groups work to advance big ideas, establish best practices, and convene topical conversations that move this field forward.

Learn about AAPS Groups

Annual Conference

Connecting Participatory Science Practitioners

Our annual conferences bring attention to cutting-edge and evidence-based practices from many contexts, and connect people from across those contexts to highlight areas of innovation, share ideas and insights, and forge stronger relationships and practices across the field.

The Latest AAPS Conference News —

Five people holding a red string tied with small bows, connecting each of them in a network. They are standing in a circle, interacting and communicating, symbolizing connection and teamwork.

Make your mark on AAPS Conferences!

We are actively seeking volunteers to join the CAPS 2027 Program Planning Committee. Like much of this field, AAPS conferences are supported by volunteer committee

June 30, 2026

An open access journal — articles are free to read.

The Journal

Citizen Science: Theory and Practice

The Citizen Science: Theory and Practice (CSTP) Journal is an online, open-access, and peer-reviewed publication that strives to advance theories and practices of citizen science and other participatory sciences; serve those interested in and contributing to citizen science across all disciplines and in all nations; and partner with organizations supporting citizen science and related endeavors. The Journal is an integral part of the Association for Advancing Participatory Sciences and is published by Ubiquity Press. It would not be possible without the significant support of its many volunteer contributors including its leadership team, editors, reviewers, and advisors.