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.
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.
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".
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: University of Camerino-UNICAM
UNICAM is committed to democratizing science by integrating citizen science, service-learning, and deliberative engagement into education and research. Through EPiCS, it strengthens active citizenship and dialogue between academia, communities, and society.
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: Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu
“Sustained engagement with local communities requires trust-building over time, not just one-time participation,” the ULBS team highlights during the interview.
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.