Overview
For more than 10 years the Association for Advancing Participatory Sciences (known until 2023 as the Citizen Science Association) has elevated the work of practitioners who push the boundaries of research through citizen science, community science, crowdsourced science, volunteer monitoring, and many other forms of public participation in scientific research.The past decade has been pivotal for the rapidly evolving field of participatory sciences, catalyzing innovations in technologies and projects, unearthing previously-unexplored histories of this work in additional spaces, and furthering groundbreaking research both from and about these projects.
To foster this momentous growth forward to a vibrant future, this plan reaffirms the role of AAPS as the bedrock organization for this field and commits to providing foundational opportunities for both leaders and learners to do exemplary work.
AAPS Mission
Catalyze the field of participatory sciences to
enrich research inquiries and
serve community priorities.
AAPS Strategic Goals
Goal 1: MOBILIZE PEOPLE
Goal 2: EXPAND PRACTICES
Goal 3: CATALYZE PARTNERSHIPS
Goal 4: REFINE PROCESSES
What are the participatory sciences?
Participatory sciences combine the strengths of scientific inquiry with the knowledge, insights, and observations of members of the public.
Some efforts are scientist-driven, with researchers inviting volunteers to submit data, categorize images, or otherwise assist in answering research questions. Others are community-driven, where communities (of place or interest) leverage science processes to compile evidence and address problems. All efforts are borne from seeing common interests, and developing working relationships, between scientists and public groups to answer questions, accelerate discovery, monitor change, or inform decisions.
These creative and collaborative practices are now recognized in almost all research disciplines, with many having independently reimagined the unique discoveries, learning, and transformative change possible by broadening who gets to participate in and benefit from science.
Our use of the term “participatory sciences” is intentionally plural, and is a step towards energizing a dynamic exchange of ideas, learning, and inspiration across many disciplines, perspectives, traditions, and priorities.
Leadership role for AAPS
AAPS recognizes that the many participatory sciences offer considerable value for both science and society, with even greater potential yet to be realized. By leading the way in the exploration and exchange of proven and promising practices from many perspectives, we advance opportunities for–and outcomes and impacts of–participatory science projects.
We do this through ongoing services like our annual conference (CAPS – the Conference for Advancing Participatory Sciences) and open-access journal (Citizen Science: Theory and Practice). Both spaces invite and showcase contributions that span scientific disciplines, STEM education, boundaries between academic interests and community priorities, and much more.
Our volunteer-led Groups champion and lead field-building efforts on critical topics, enabling others to build on the strength of these practices.
This Association is invigorated by the transformative work that our members, partners, and allies around the globe have long been doing, and we are proud to work side by side with so many others to inspire new collaborations, address core challenges, and raise awareness of the value of these projects to inform and enact a shared vision for the future.
The role of this strategic plan:
Over the next three years, the plan detailed below will guide the work of AAPS to drive success towards the stated goals. Annual work plans, including milestones and metrics, will be organized around priority action areas. The commitments outlined in this plan position us to strengthen foundational work and ongoing collaborations, establishing the capacity and flexibility to embrace further opportunities when they arise. With a focus on mobilizing people, improving practices, and building partnerships, we provide the leadership needed to serve our members and this field.
Goal 1: MOBILIZE PEOPLE — Enrich community, cultures, and careers to advance the field and practice of participatory sciences
Elevate attention to the AAPS conference as the go-to convening for high-quality, relevant, and accessible experiences that engage a diverse range of people and partner organizations. |
Pilot and formalize regional events as core programming to broaden and energize the AAPS community. |
Build a clear and appealing value proposition with and for both current and new groups of members, with attention to people who have been historically excluded from the sciences. |
Cultivate pathways for success in the field for early career members. |
Pilot and formalize professional learning opportunities that serve all career stages and project phases. |
Celebrate leaders and milestones in the field, including through the development of an awards program. |
Leverage the moment of the organization’s name change to intentionally define who we are, who we include, and who we serve. |
Goal 2: EXPAND PRACTICES — Promote excellence in participatory science projects by sharing emerging- and evidence-based practices
Increase geographic and disciplinary diversity of articles and reviewers.
Maintain an active editorial board and community of reviewers and authors.
Expand the Journal reach and influence.
Establish a training and consulting program for Equitable Research Partnerships.
Expand awareness and use of principles, strategies, and tools for equitable research by scientific institutions.
Advance opportunities to explore, share, and promote ways that participatory sciences can foster equity in STEM learning and careers.
Support initiatives of AAPS-chartered groups that spark new thinking for the field, including new products and services that drive innovative work.
Provide opportunities to share emerging research, tools, and services that align with AAPS priorities and offer value to members and the field.
Goal 3: CATALYZE PARTNERSHIPS — Amplify AAPS influence and impact through formal organizational alliances
Establish a visible presence at disciplinary conferences to both listen and share in ways that build awareness and relevance of AAPS for scientists.
Create communities of practice that connect and elevate the work of disciplinary society members engaged in participatory sciences.
Work with society leadership to explore strategic alliances.
Co-create a partnership model for how AAPS and other associations work with Community-Based Organizations.
Coordinate with sister associations to identify and advance a priority program area of benefit to the global community.
Expand relationships with the European Citizen Science Association and RICAP, the Ibero-American Association.
Develop new partnerships, modeled on that with NASA.
Establish an informal advisory group to share and inform startegic opportunities for partnerships and policies to benefit the field.
Goal 4: REFINE PROCESSES — Refine AAPS operational practices to foster equity and sustainability in all areas of work
Secure grants that support expanded AAPS capacity.
Find sponsor support for each of the AAPS annual awards.
Sustain and grow the culture of professional service in support of AAPS activities.
Showcase the contributions of volunteer leaders on the website and at events.
Recognize outstanding leadership by an AAPS volunteer with an annual award.
Carefully balance program priorities and expectations to match volunteer and staff capacity.
Recruit for needed skills, experience, and perspectives on the Board.
Draw on Board expertise to increase value and impact of AAPS activities.
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