Citizen science aims to increase scientific knowledge by involving participation and collaboration of the public in scientific research. Citizen scientists can contribute to many aspects of research including data collection and analysis and is often in a volunteer role.
Interested in learning more about citizen science, check out:
Australia Citizen Science Association
You can find many ways to make a difference and get involved in research, below are some places to start both nationally and locally.
Scistarter
Use this database to discover, join and contribute to formal and informal research projects across Australia and the world.
Open Knowledge Australia
A local group of Open Knowledge (okfn.org), a community volunteer driven initiative, established in the UK by Dr. Rufus Pollock and brings together people who believe the world is a better place when we share our data, information and knowledge in the open, making us all wiser in our everyday interaction as open communities.
Center for Open Science (COS)
COS envision a future scholarly community in which the process, content, and outcomes of research are openly accessible by default. Their mission is to increase openness, integrity, and reproducibility of research.
Researchers at the University of Newcastle, teamed up with citizen scientists for a three year project, funded by the N.S.W. government to prevent the extinction of precious amphibians. Learn more about this initiative.