UNP+ Contributes to National Dialogue on Citizen Science at PartWiss25 Conference
From 12–14 November, the PartWiss25 Conference took place at the KUBUS in Leipzig under the theme “Researching Together – Impulses from Citizen Science, Participatory and Transdisciplinary Research.”
As one of the central events in the German-speaking Citizen Science landscape, the conference brought together researchers, practitioners, policy actors, and citizens to exchange experiences, discuss methodological developments, and explore how participatory research can strengthen collaboration and support evidence-based societal decision-making.
Dr. Stefanie Henkel presented the citizen science initiative VielFalterGarten, highlighting how volunteer-based butterfly monitoring supports biodiversity research and urban nature planning - and the role it is playing in community engagement in the UNP+ cities. The presentation offered insights into practical experiences, emerging findings, and future perspectives within UNP+, and sparked a dynamic discussion on how citizen science can be sustained and institutionalised in the long term across research, policy, and society.
During the workshop, participants engaged in a World Café discussion on two strategic priorities for 2025: Engagement and Participation:
- How can meaningful, long-term involvement from diverse societal groups be enabled? What structures, partnerships, and communication formats are needed to support volunteers effectively?
- Integration into Decision-Making: How can Citizen Science results be systematically incorporated into political and administrative processes? What structural and procedural changes are required within authorities, NGOs, and research institutions?
These reflections will inform the development of a Citizen Science Action Programme, co-created with the wider PartWiss network. A resulting policy paper will be finalised collaboratively after the conference. Stay tuned for the final product!
Publishing date: