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Ecological Citizen(s): Tools, Technologies, and Means to Enable Sustainable Citizens is a four-year research collaboration between the Royal College of Art, Wrexham Glyndŵr University and SEI York at the University of York. Together, they established the Ecological Citizens Network+, using the digital economy to catalyze sustainable change that goes beyond individual actions in response to the ecological and climate crisis.
Photo: JamesMcCauley.
The existing ecological crisis, characterized by urgent challenges in climate change and sustainability, calls for innovative and collective action beyond individual efforts. In response to this pressing need, the Ecological Citizens project has been initiated.
Funded by the UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and awarded £3.3 million over four years starting in 2023, the project is a collaboration between the University of York’s Stockholm Environment Institute, Royal College of Art and Wrexham Glyndŵr University. Together, they work to establish the Ecological Citizens Network+ over the next years to foster and pro-actively encourage Ecological Citizenship for positive climate action.
By bringing together a multidisciplinary team of experts in design, science and technology as well as diverse groups of people, the Network+ will cover a wide range of pressing topics, from biomaterials and wildlife corridors to local manufacturing and repair. Envisaged project outputs include fostering Ecological Citizenship for positive climate action, building design-led responses, lowering barriers to entry, and creating an inclusive digital sustainable society. The Network+ will promote responses through the concept of the Digital Economy, aiming to bring agency to people who want to be involved, thus making all Ecological Citizens through an inclusive and sustainable approach.
Three rounds of seed funding will be available to support innovative startups, projects, and pilots that devise new ways to engage people with nature through technologically appropriate interventions. Before the funding calls open for applications, the project partners will host information events and workshops to provide guidance and assistance with the application process.
For more information, please visit the project website.
This four-year research project, led by the Royal College of Art in collaboration with Wrexham University and SEI York at the University of York, encompasses a diverse range of academic expertise. This multidisciplinary approach brings together academics from the fields of Arts, Science, and Technology.
Community Energy – Citizen Science (CE-CS) is a research initiative under the Ecological Citizen(s) project. It brings together people involved in community energy – such as local energy groups and households generating their own renewable energy – with academic researchers to enhance understanding of how these projects are governed. Governance, in this context, refers to the decision-making processes at every stage of a community energy project, including its conception, implementation, and long-term operation.
Photo: 10’000 Hours / Getty Images.
The project uses online Q&A sessions and collaborative digital whiteboards to:
CE-CS focuses on community-led renewable energy initiatives, including neighborhood solar and wind schemes, where governance involves decisions around ownership, control and purpose. By connecting lived experience with academic insight, the project aims to make knowledge on community energy governance more accessible, relevant and responsive to the real-world challenges faced by communities.
Led by SEI at the University of York, CE-CS builds on co-creation methods developed in the Youth LIVES project, supporting inclusive, low-barrier collaboration between citizens and researchers. Through this approach, the CE-CS project aims to support more effective and equitable governance of community-led energy initiatives, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and community-driven energy future.
Project Manager, SEI York
Research Associate, SEI York
Research Associate, SEI York
Professor and Centre Director, SEI York
In a letter to the editor published in the Guardian on 16 February 2026, Luke Gooding reflects on the UK government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s announcement to spend up to GBP 1 billion on community-owned green energy schemes.
Drawing on the co-created research findings emerging from the Community Energy – Citizen Science project, Luke highlights the often unseen “quiet labour” that underpins community energy, and what it will take for this funding to deliver lasting change.
Join us for the Ecological Citizens Festival 2025 in Derby this September. It's a free, one-day event exploring ecological citizenship through workshops, creative sessions and shared meals. Register today!
Past event / We gathered in Derby, UK for a one-day festival exploring creative, practical approaches to ecological citizenship through workshops, food and dialogue.
Our third and final funding call: Co-creating Everyday Ecosystems, is now open.
Visit the Ecological Citizen(s) website for detailed information on the funding and application process.
To apply, follow these steps:
If you have any questions, refer to our FAQ in the application pack or join on of our application support sessions. Check the EC website for dates and email the EC team for the Zoom link.
The funding call closes at 16:00 on the 22nd August 2025.
We are delighted to announce that the second Ecological Citizen(s) Call for Funding 2024 / 2025: The Natural World is now open!
Visit the Ecological Citizen(s) website for detailed information on the funding and application process.
To apply, follow these steps:
If you have any questions, refer to our FAQ in the application pack or join our bi-weekly application support sessions, held on Fridays from 12:30 – 13:30. Email the EC team for the Zoom link.
The funding call closes at 23:59 on 31st January 2025.
On January 17th 2024, the Ecological Citizen(s) Network+ and the Crafts Council hosted a webinar titled ‘What Should Ecological Citizenship in Education Look Like?’ The event featured a panel of expert educators from various disciplines and educational levels. They delved into critical discussions on shaping the future of education to better prepare young individuals for a rapidly changing world. The webinar focused on key themes around Ecological Citizenship, including the essential skills needed for young people to adapt and thrive, the importance of a trans-disciplinary approach to foster holistic and interconnected curriculum, and strategies to motivate and inspire amidst growing climate concerns.
The recording of the webinar is available on YouTube.
We are excited to announce that the first Ecological Citizen(s) Call for Funding 2023 / 2024: Materials & Resources is now open!
Please visit the Ecological Citizens website for more information about the funding and application process.
To apply follow these steps:
The funding call closes at midnight on 31st January 2024.
On the 21st of September 2023, the Ecological Citizen(s) Network+ Project hosted a launch event to celebrate the commencement of the four-year project. During the event, an expert panel of guests discussed the topic: ‘How should we design for sustainable, preferable futures?‘. Watch the recording of the panel discussion here.
SEI York's citizen science group: researching, using and improving best practice in citizen science and inclusive engagement for environmental sustainability.
Perspective / Volunteers and scientists are increasingly working together to monitor ecosystems and answer scientific questions.
SEI brief / Citizen science approaches have the potential to support the definition, monitoring and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals
