From Doing for Communities to Thinking with Them: Rethinking Citizen Science as a Democratic Practice
Citizen Science is not just about involving people in research, but about creating opportunities to co-produce knowledge, exchange perspectives and address societal challenges together. Drawing on Service-Learning and deliberative democracy, this article explores how universities can move from “doing for” communities to “thinking with” them, transforming public engagement into a meaningful process of democratic learning and collective action.
Research That Starts with Everyday Experience: Lessons from TOPFIT Citizenlab
How can everyday experiences help shape better research? TOPFIT Citizenlab shows how citizens and patients can contribute not only as participants, but as partners in defining research questions, methods and outcomes.
From Dialogue to Co-Design: CIVICLab Advances University–Community Collaboration at UNICAM
How can universities become long-term partners in addressing societal challenges? This question guided "UNICAM Territorio Condiviso", the co-design workshop organised by the University of Camerino on 29 June 2026 within the CIVICLab initiative.
EPiCS Partners Meet in Stockholm to Advance the Project’s Next Milestones
In June, EPiCS partners gathered in Stockholm, Sweden, for the project's third transnational meeting, bringing together consortium members to review progress, strengthen collaboration, and plan the next phases of the project.
Citizen Science NOW: Helping Citizens Shape Their Own Research
How can citizens move from participating in research to actively shaping it? Citizen Science NOW explores how knowledge, confidence and the right support can help people bring their own questions, priorities and expertise into collaborative research.
Universities, Citizens and Collaborative Research: EPiCS Presented at the University of Palermo
On Wednesday, 15 April, the University of Palermo hosted the seminar "Università, cittadini e ricerca collaborativa: la piattaforma EPiCS per il co-design di esperienze di Research Service-Learning".
Building Civic Ecosystems: CIVICLab Brings Universities, Communities and Public Institutions Together
On 31 March 2026, more than 80 participants gathered at the Carlo Urbani School of Advanced Studies in Camerino for CIVICLab – Building Civic Ecosystems between University and Territory.
Co-designing the Future: UNICAM World Café Strengthens Collaboration Between Universities and Civil Society
How can universities and civil society organisations work together to generate greater social impact? This was the guiding question of the UNICAM World Café, held on 5 March 2026 at the University of Camerino.
How EPiCS Connects Citizen Science, Service Learning and the Third Mission of Universities
Universities are increasingly called to create societal impact beyond teaching and research. The EPiCS project responds to this challenge by connecting Citizen Science, Service-Learning, and the Third Mission of Universities into a single framework for community engagement.
Behind Every Citizen Science Project Is a Community
Citizen science is changing how knowledge is created by involving people in the research process. From collecting data to sharing local knowledge and lived experiences, citizens are becoming active contributors to research rather than simply its audience.
EPiCS Strengthens International Collaboration at the 2025 ACEEU Forum in Prague
EPiCS partners joined global experts to advance citizen science, research service-learning, and international collaboration, strengthening the project’s impact across Europe and beyond.
Interview with partner organisation: Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU)
“At ACEEU, we believe universities play a crucial role as engines of social, economic, and cultural change.”
Interview with partner organisation: University of Thessaly
Interview with partner organisation: University of Thessaly
A strategic investment to institutionalise citizen science and make it a core competency of the university.
Interview with partner organisation: Chaperone Successful civic and participatory initiatives depend on researchers’ preparedness and mindset.
Chaperone’s mission is to empower scientists and research professionals to build meaningful, sustainable, and impactful careers both within and beyond academia.
Limitations and Opportunities in Citizen Science: Strengthening Its Democratic Potential
Citizen Science empowers communities to co-create knowledge, but faces challenges of inclusivity, ethics, and policy impact. EPICS strengthens its democratic potential by linking research to real-world needs and civic participation.
Deliberative Democracy and Service-Learning: Building Informed Communities
EPICS connects research, dialogue, and community action, empowering students and citizens to co-create solutions and shape their futures.
Student Development Through Service
Through Research Service-Learning, EPICS empowers students to grow from learners into changemakers, fostering skills, empathy, and civic engagement.
Service-Learning – When Education Meets Civic Engagement
Service-Learning (SL) transforms education by integrating academic learning with real-world community engagement. This approach allows students to apply their knowledge while addressing pressing societal issues.
Citizen Science – Engaging Communities in Research and Action
Citizen Science is an approach that actively involves non-researchers in scientific research. Within the EPICS framework, Citizen Science plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and civic engagement.
EPICS – Engaging Communities Through Collaborative Research
EPICS is an innovative initiative that connects higher education institutions, students, researchers, and local communities. By integrating Citizen Science and Service-Learning, EPICS fosters sustainable partnerships that address real-world challenges through research-based solutions.