Designing an Effective Environment for Citizen Scientist Research

In 2009, The Denver Museum of Nature & Science established its first citizen scientist-run, community-based Genetics of Taste laboratory. In the past five years of active research, we have learned many key design features for... [ view full abstract ]

In 2009, The Denver Museum of Nature & Science established its first citizen scientist-run, community-based Genetics of Taste laboratory. In the past five years of active research, we have learned many key design features for creating a positive space for citizen scientists to collect scientifically sound human data. For research study design, involvement of citizen-scientists in the planning process is not only a suggested best practice, but also helps to establish motivation and commitment early in the study. Initial design should include in-depth discussions of intended outcomes and a clearly defined timeline with tangible milestones implemented to measure progress. Educational goals for citizen scientists and the public should be included, and care should be taken to define these outcomes as clearly as the research goals. After these initial steps are taken to create a foundation for citizen science, ways to improve citizen scientist retention and project management include targeting populations likely to volunteer, and forming partnerships with professionals who are experts in the field and who can take over some training and independent evaluation ensure the steps implemented are accomplishing their intended purposes. Here we present the lessons learned in developing a community-based lab and how informed science education centers, museums, academic and research institutions alike can apply this model to their studies.