Seed grants for citizen science projects

Citizen Science Zurich aims to promote the participation of citizens in scientific research and to enable the realisation of innovative research projects. With the Seed Grants, we create incentives for projects of this kind. ETH researchers and citizens are given the opportunity to jointly develop and implement participatory pilot projects. It is important that researchers and citizens cooperate on an equal footing and conduct research together as equals. Projects are prioritised that, in addition to the prospect of excellent research, contribute to society and have a high degree of participation in as many phases of the research process as possible. The seed grants can also be awarded to projects on participatory research.

39 projects supported so far

Since its launch in 2019, Citizen Science Zurich has funded around six pilot projects a year with the help of seed grants. These are based in a wide range of disciplines – from urban development and health issues to biodiversity and social sciences. They all have one thing in common: citizens are an active part of the project. The Seed Grants are made possible by the Mercator Foundation Switzerland. Applications can be made for up to CHF 40,000 and the funds must be utilised within twelve months of the start of funding. Citizen Science Zurich provides additional support in the form of consulting and moderation services in addition to the funding awarded. Two tools are also available for projects that want to collect or analyse digital data. The "CS Logger" makes it possible to create an app in simple steps, which can be used to take photos, upload videos or conduct surveys, for example. Researchers can use the "CS Project Builder" to create and publish projects in which citizens can be involved in analysing (digital) data. external page Further information

Research with and for society

Citizen Science Zurich is a joint initiative of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich and is supported by the Mercator Foundation Switzerland. We strive for an openness, diversity and inclusivity in science that conducts scientific research with and for the public and in which Citizen Science is accepted as a standard or general research approach. Our mission is to inspire and support people to engage in various forms of participatory research. We want to increase the participation of citizens in scientific research and enable effective cooperation between science and society.