Citizen science and artificial intelligence (AI) have emerged as two powerful tools for tackling complex scientific challenges. While citizen science harnesses the collective work of volunteers, deploying AI can complement or augment human efforts.
A new open-access, peer-reviewed, Special Collection in Citizen Science: Theory and Practice explores the dynamic intersection of AI and citizen science, showcasing innovative approaches to integrating AI into citizen science projects across various domains, tasks and platforms. The articles display the use of a range of AI technologies from basic deep learning with Convolutional Neural Networks through to advanced anomaly detection techniques. They illustrate the potential of AI coupled with citizen science in accelerating data processing, expanding project reach, enhancing data quality, and broadening engagement opportunities.
At the same time, there are concerns that AI could replace volunteers and potentially remove opportunities for engagement and learning. Thus, this collection also examines the challenges with integrating AI into citizen science such as reconsideration of task design, data reliability, and necessary skills as well as access to resources. Ethical considerations are then examined, including issues of inclusion, AI transparency, and the cost to the environment. Finally, challenges and future directions in the collaborative efforts of AI and citizen science are highlighted.
A conversation with Issue Editors, Feb 6, 2025
To help orient you to the themes covered in special collection, issue editors Lucy Fortson, Kevin Crowston, Laure Kloetzer, and Marisa Ponti will join us for a special conversation with Marc Kuchner, Citizen Science Officer, NASA, in a webinar on February 6, 2025, 12pm ET. This event will go beyond a recap of papers presented in special collection, and invite panelists to share their thoughts and perspectives on ethical considerations, challenges, and future directions.
>>Register here for this conversation on AI
Guest editors:
Lucy Fortson, University of Minnesota, US
Kevin Crowston, Syracuse University, US
Laure Kloetzer, University of Neuchâtel, CH
Marisa Ponti, University of Gothenburg, SE
