Curious how the participatory sciences confronting global challenges?
Then check out the following sessions at CAPS 2026, May 26-29. >>Full program here.
Citizen Science Climate Change Mitigation: Visioning an Interoperable Data Network for Change
Symposium [Thursday, May 28, 12:00 PM]
Imagine a coordinated global network of citizen scientists tracking actions and behaviors that mitigate climate change. Such a network could make climate solutions visible, measurable, and accessible to all. You can be part of shaping this future, building on a recent initiative by the Citizen Science Climate Change Mitigation Working Group, sponsored by the EU’s AURORA project. Join us in turning knowledge into action—one observation, one coordinated dataset, one empowered community at a time.
Convener: Russanne Low (Insitute for Global Environmental Strategies)
Co-presenters: Martin Brocklehurst (Board Chair, Citizen Science Global Partnership (CSGP)); Ram Dayal Vaishnav (Education Director, Citizen Science Asia); Lisa Evans (Co-Chair, Citizen Science Association of New Zealand); Larisa Schelkin (Global Diplomacy Department, UNITAR)
Participatory Science across Scales to Support Communities
Symposium [Thursday, May 28, 12:00 PM]
This session will explore how participatory science can be leveraged across geographic scales to support communities. Oftentimes, it is assumed that large scale projects benefit researchers, while only smaller scale projects can truly benefit communities. Our symposium will explore how projects can be designed across scales (local, state wide, and global) to benefit communities’ advocacy goals.
Convener: Dani Lin Hunter (North Carolina Environmental Justice Network)
Co-presenters: Z Strawderman (CleanAIRE NC); Seana Finn (North Carolina State University); Caren Cooper (North Carolina State University); Valerie Ann Johnson (North Carolina Environmental Justice Network )
Upscaling citizen science creating a tool to address global challenges
Collaborative Session [Wednesday, May 27, 1:15 PM]
Through scaling citizen science, we explore the potential of collective actions to address global issues, involving fields such as biodiversity, health, climate adaptation and environmental monitoring. We will discuss topics including funding, data, societal readiness, and support that can be a barrier and enabler of CS scaling.
Convener: James Sprinks (Earthwatch Europe)
Co-presenters: James Sprinks (Earthwatch Europe); Nadia Bates (Museum für Naturkunde Berlin); Rafaella Improta (Universidad Autonoma de Madrid); Dilek Fraisl (IIASA); Gloria Koepke (Universitat Tubingen); Tania Moreira(INOVA+)
Next Generation Global Collaboratory
Collaborative Session [Tuesday, May 26, 1:15 PM]
The Next Generation Global Collaboratory aims to broaden its network of participants and funding sources to sustain and grow the next generation of participatory scientists. We leverage advances in affordable sensor technology, enhance access to open data archives through user-friendly data literacy tools, and provide comprehensive analytical training. Together, we are creating a decentralized collaborative community that drives environmental data discovery, understanding and innovation.
Convener: Rebecca Boger (Next Generation Global Collaboratory)
Co-presenters: Rebecca Boger (Next Generation Global Collaboratory); Charles Vorosmarty (Next Generation Global Collaboratory); Russanne Low (Teaching About Planet Earth); Larisa Schelkin (Next Generation Global Collaboratory)
Looking for Sustainability in an Age of Uncertainty: GLOBE after 30
Organized Topical Discussion Session [Friday, May 29, 2:30 PM]
Funding uncertainties for participatory science have impacted long-supported programs such as Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE). We share a vision for a more flexible structure, including virtual training, flexible electronic data sheets, and simplified account structure and support systems. This topical discussion session will examine how GLOBE leaders and participants are navigating funding uncertainties and will inform projects facing similar disruptions.
Conveners: Christina Buffington (University of Alaska Fairbanks and GLOBE Implementation Office); Jackie DeLisi (EDC, GLOBE Implementation Office), Holli Kohl (NASA Goddard/ GLOBE Observer); and Rusty Lowe (Institute for Global Environmental Strategies/GLOBE Implementation Office)
Accepting submissions to this session through 31 January 2026. >>Submit your idea here.
Registration for CAPS 2026 is open! A call for individual presentations is open through 31 January 2026. >>Find full event details here.
