The Citizen Science: Theory and Practice Journal is an integral part of the newly-named Association for the Advancement of Participatory Sciences (formerly the Citizen Science Association). The Journal serves and seeks to be responsive to its international audience including other associations supporting participation in science such as the European Citizen Science Association, Citizen Science Asia, Migrants’ Citizen Science Association, and the Australian Citizen Science Association.
Different terms are used in different countries and contexts, and what is problematic in one country may not be an issue in another. While we recognize that the term “citizen” resonates as exclusionary within the US, it is an acceptable, appropriate, and visible term in other countries. For example, the United Nations Statistical Office has a new framework using data from citizen science to monitor progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, and “participatory and citizen science” is the term used by UNESCO, which is endorsed by 194 member states, the UN Environmental Programme, and the UN Economic Commission for Europe.
Because the CSTP is an international publication, the Journal will retain its name for now. It will continue to welcome submissions on theories and practices of citizen science, community science, and other participatory sciences. The Journal team will carefully consider all recommendations (including those regarding its name) to ensure it is an inclusive publication. We will also discuss inclusive practices with our sister associations around the world and explore options to support our broad readership and contributors.
More information on the CSTP Journal can be found here: https://theoryandpractice.citizenscienceassociation.org/.
Statement provided by the CSTP Editorial Leadership:
- Cat Davis, Editor-in-Chief
- Muki Haklay, Associate Editor-in-Chief
- Caren Cooper Associate Editor-in-Chief
