Conference Archives - Association for Advancing Participatory Sciences

30 Jun 2026

Make your mark on AAPS Conferences!

Conference, Uncategorized

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 members who shape both the vision and design of our events as well as provide critical support for submission review and program curation. The Committee meets twice monthly to discuss event themes, structures, and opportunities for innovations in how we conference. Taking an active role in the conference program committee can help you: Make your mark on the field’s leading event. Conference volunteers have been integral in establishing structures to efficiently plan and implement virtual…

26 Jun 2026

By Sarah Clement

Advancing science learning and community-relevant knowledge production- lessons from CAPS 2026 youth education sessions

Conference, Educationattendee recaps, CAPS 2026

Engaging youth in participatory science is a powerful approach for advancing both science learning and community-relevant knowledge production. By contributing to authentic data collection and analysis, students participate in the practices of science rather than merely learning about them. These experiences also enhance motivation and STEM identity development, particularly when students see their contributions informing real research or local decision-making. Because many citizen science projects are embedded in local contexts, they foster place-based learning and can deepen youths’ connections to their communities and environments. For teachers, participatory science offers a practical mechanism for integrating NGSS-aligned standards and practices into everyday…

04 Dec 2025

By Reanna Putnam

Call for Individual Presentations Now Open!

Conference

Share your insights, research, experience or new ideas about practices for participatory sciences with colleagues from around the globe. Submit an idea for an individual presentation at our Virtual 2026 Conference for Advancing Participatory Sciences (CAPS). Share Your Work This year's virtual event will take place online across four half days, 26-29 May 2026, and is your opportunity to expand and connect with science professionals, engagement specialists, funders, app designers, community leaders, and others can help you focus on and enhance your work in this field. The submission process is quick and we welcome submissions from the many approaches to this work-citizen science, community…

11 Sep 2025

By Reanna Putnam

Now accepting proposals for CAPS 2026 Sessions

ConferenceCAPS 2026

Our virtual conference highlights emerging and long-time leaders within the participatory sciences via dynamic discussions in a variety of formats. While session topics for the virtual conference have historically been identified by the Program Committee, this year we are turning to the community to tell us what conversations you most want to hear. We know that with your help, we will build a virtual conference program that is inspiring and actionable. Proposing a conference session is your opportunity to elevate the issues you care most about, build collaborations, and share your unique perspective with the broadest possible audience. Convening a session at CAPS Virtual (May…

18 Jun 2025

By Reanna Putnam

CAPS 2025 Attendee Recaps

Conferenceattendee recaps, CAPS2025

Photo from "Onboarding Research Libraries to Citizen Science" workshop courtesy of Thomas Kaarsted Curious what others have to say about their experience at CAPS? Check out these reflections from presenters and attendees. Blog Posts: Muki Haklay has been sharing about AAPS conferences since our very first Portland meeting in 2012. This year he shared not one, but four!, posts about his time at CAPS 2025. CAPS 2025 – uncertain or resiliant future for USA participatory science? CAPS25 – Responsible, ethical, and trustworthy use of AI in participatory sciences CAPS25 – respectful and reciprocal callaboration with indigenous communities CAPS25 conference – iNatuarlist keynote The SciStarter team…

18 Jun 2025

By Reanna Putnam

CAPS 2025 Poster Awards

Conferenceawards, CAPS2025, early career, people, poster awards

This year we debuted CAPS Poster Awards. Poster award winners received conference totes, a participatory science book from authors at the event, and the opportunity to share their poster with the broader AAPS community after the conference. ???? Join us in celebrating the following individuals who will be sharing more of their work in the coming weeks in the community forum on AAPS Connect. Wednesday Poster Awardees: Most interesting research findings: Brandon Budnicki (P:139) Improving research protocols through natural language processing Designing research protocols with clear and interpretable questions is a challenge for new project managers. We will explore preliminary results on how natural…

21 May 2025

By Reanna Putnam

Partner with us to host CAPS 2027 in your city!

Conference

We invite your help in identifying strong and inspired candidates to host the next in-person Conference for Advancing Participatory Sciences(spring/summer, 2027). Please share the following call for Expressions of Interest from potential hosts and partners. Hosting is a huge opportunity for visibility and leadership in the field. Applying to host CAPS 2027 offers an unique opportunity to highlight your institution’s field leadership and your region as a center of excellence. This event brings international attention to the work of local/regional organizations, and raises local awareness about the global significance of these projects and practices. Hosting also takes commitment. The details…

28 Mar 2025

By Reanna Putnam

Science for All Showcase at CAPS 2025 Event Basics

Conference

This year's Conference for Advancing Participatory Sciences will feature a Science for All Showcase, an interactive evening of workshops, resource tables, and lightning talks. Designed for community connectors including educators, librarians, museum professionals, and others with networking opportunities for evaluators, researchers and project scientists, this event will provide strategies, resources, and connections to bring participatory science to more people. This event will take place onThursday, May 29, 2025 at the World Forestry Center in collaboration with SciStarter, the OSU STEM Research Center, and AAPS. Event Details: Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: World Forestry Center, 4033 SW Canyon Rd,…

27 Feb 2025

By Reanna Putnam

Registration now open for CAPS 2025!

Conference

+Late-call for posters, open through April 30. Registration for the 2025 Conference for Advancing the Participatory Sciences is now open! Early bird discount available through March 7th, 2025 Join us in Portland this May for four exciting days of collaboration. >> Explore CAPS Sessions at CAPS focus on the hidden hard work it takes to make volunteer-powered science happen, giving you the skills you need to take your project to the next level. People leave this event with concrete actions they can take to improve their projects and boost their impact. CAPS attracts a global audience with a wide range of expertise,…

20 Dec 2024

By J_Shirk

Take your project to the next level at CAPS

ConferenceCAPS2025, reasons why

Are you a researcher engaging (or interested in engaging) the public in scientific research? Then the Conference for Advancing Participatory Sciences (CAPS) is for you. This conference focuses on all of the hidden hard work it takes to make the science happen, giving you the skills you need to take your project to the next level. At CAPS you can… At a special C*Sci 2023 session, NASA-funded scientists and collaborators discuss strategies for scientific success with panel moderator, NASA citizen science program officer, Marc Kuchner (far right). Share your successes and challenges. We welcome presentations of research findings*, published or…

Category: Conference