SEI York’s citizen science research group has expertise in designing, running and evaluating citizen science projects on environmental sustainability topics.
We have particular expertise in air pollution, biodiversity, and health and well-being. We undertake research around the practice of citizen science, with a particular interest in citizen science participants, including who participates, what motivates them to participate and what they gain from participating. Our research is used to guide the design of citizen science projects to make them more inclusive and rewarding for those taking part.
We use our international network to explore the use of citizen science methods in the Global South, including how citizen science approaches can be used to make progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. All of our projects are done in partnership with other organizations, including research organizations, NGOs, community groups, schools and local authorities. We also have a growing number of PhD students exploring a range of topics around citizen science projects. If you’d like to work with us on a project or as a PhD student, please get in touch with our Research coordinator.
Feature / Smriti explains how York residents can contribute to this international event by recording wildlife they see and why she is passionate about citizen science.
Perspective / "Scientists, teachers and pupils are working together to evaluate air quality in UK classrooms" writes Sarah West in Air Quality News Magazine.
Media coverage / The children's news programme visited a school where pupils were investigating their classroom's air quality using the SAMHE monitor and Web App.
Media coverage / Along with experts and representatives from the UK government, Dr Sarah West from SEI York contributed to a debate on indoor air quality.
Journal article / Using arts-based approaches, researchers worked with communities in Nairobi to empower people to take action on air pollution.
Past event / Three researchers from our citizen science research group in York visited Vienna to share insights into the value of co-created research.
Project / SEI's Ecological Citizens project cultivates trans-disciplinary collaboration and research to enable a digital sustainable society for positive climate action.
Project / Working with young people to co-design relevant mental health research by identifying priority research questions and addressing these.
Project / A citizen science project monitoring indoor air, created with and for UK schools.
Project / This project investigates air pollutants inside homes in the city of Bradford, UK: their sources, interactions and health effects on those living there.
Project / Investigating if and how hands-on experiences with nature impact values, attitudes and pro-environmental behaviour amongst secondary school students.
Project / Exploring the feasibility of citizen science to improve WASH conditions in two districts of Mexico City.
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