It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Citizen Science receives a significant boost
Despite the increasing worldwide interest in citizen science, research into the concept itself remains limited. This is the issue a new professorship, possibly the first of its kind worldwide, aims to address
IMAGE: ANDERS P. TØTTRUP, AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF DENMARK, MIGHT BECOME THE WORLD'S FIRST PROFESSOR IN CITIZEN SCIENCE.view more
CREDIT: BIRGITTE RUBÆK, NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF DENMARK
There is a growing interest in incorporating assistance from private citizens into scientific projects globally. Nonetheless, it seems that Anders P. Tøttrup, an Associate Professor at the Natural History Museum of Denmark, might become the world's first professor in Citizen Science.
Anders P. Tøttrup is a trained biologist and leads the section for Citizen Science projects at the Natural History Museum of Denmark. These projects involve scientific endeavours in which citizens are invited to assist in collecting and analyzing data. Now, the Museum is taking a step further as Anders P. Tøttrup enters a 'professor track.' The goal is to establish a new professorship in Citizen Science at the museum.
Peter C. Kjærgaard, Director of the Natural History Museum of Denmark, sees this as an important step in creating better conditions for an increasingly important aspect of scientific work.
"Citizen Science plays an expanding role in numerous projects. When students, associations, and nature enthusiasts collect data year-round across the country, scientists gain unique knowledge that would be otherwise unattainable. This is crucial, especially today, as the climate crisis and human impact bring about significant changes in nature. Additionally, it democratizes our research efforts. That's why we've chosen to make Citizen Science an even more central part of our science by establishing a professorship that focuses on how best to utilize the valuable resources provided by fellow citizens," says Peter C. Kjærgaard. The Museum has actively engaged in Citizen Science for many years, and Anders P. Tøttrup's section has led numerous projects that have expanded the horizons of what scientists can achieve, including collaborations with citizens, primary and high school students, and associations.
"I am very pleased with the opportunity to place extra emphasis on Citizen Science. I will work on developing new projects as well as 'the Science of Citizen Science.' This entails researching how we can create frameworks that appeal to an even more diverse range of groups interested in assisting us with research, as well as ensuring that the data we collect is of high quality and is made accessible to other scientists," says Anders P. Tøttrup.
He sees significant potential in opening universities to Citizen Science, as it yields better results for science itself. Furthermore, participation in projects increases public trust in science and the results produced by scientists. When the public assists the scientists, entirely new research opportunities emerge, fostering greater interest in science and providing a stronger defense against 'fake news.'
"This is an important factor because we are increasingly surrounded by misinformation that manipulates attitudes and trends in society. Citizen Science contributes to establishing a strong foundation of trust in science. Simultaneously, we can see that those who participate in the projects develop a greater interest in natural science. This is especially important among young people, who are expected to be the next generation of researchers," says Anders P. Tøttrup.
It is not just researchers who recognize the great potential of having citizens help collect important knowledge. Anders P. Tøttrup has seen a growing interest in supporting these projects from many private foundations in the field of natural science.
"Many Danish private foundations are very progressive, and they have recognized that the projects are deeply serious, and the results we achieve are completely central when we need to collect and examine large amounts of material. At the same time, we are also forming closer collaborations with associations and environmental organizations, which see an opportunity to provide their members with a good experience while contributing to a better understanding of the state of nature. We have only scratched the surface of possibilities, so I am very much looking forward to continuing the work in an incredibly exciting scientific area," concludes Anders P. Tøttrup.
10.000 high school students have participated in the project DNA & Life.
Photo: Christian Mailand
There is a growing interest in incorporating assistance from private citizens into scientific projects globally. Thousands of primary school pupils have taken part in the Mass Experiment project.
CREDIT
Photo: Thomas Evaldsen
Nobel Prize winners inspire young minds in new scientific articles for kids
Frontiers for Young Minds launches third volume of Nobel Collection articles for young readers
IMAGE: FRONTIERS FOR YOUNG MINDS NOBEL COLLECTION VOLUME 3view more
CREDIT: FRONTIERS
Frontiers for Young Minds, an award-winning, non-profit, open-access scientific journal for kids, has released the third volume of its Nobel Collection today. The new volume features five articles on topics from using a glowing protein found in jellyfish to understand cell function to studying the smallest units of matter. Prior to publication, the distinguished scientists worked with young reviewers aged 8-15 to ensure their articles were interesting and understandable for young readers.
Launched in 2013, Frontiers for Young Minds inspires the next generation of scientists by making science accessible and engaging for young people. It provides reliable and up-to-date information on various topics in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). Through a unique review process, kids engage in dialogue with leading researchers worldwide, empowering the young reviewers with a better understanding not only of the science of the article, but of the scientific process and the importance of validating information. While learning about the world around them, young reviewers develop confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills.
The Nobel Collection is a special series of articles by Nobel Laureates. This third volume of the collection is an exciting new, educational installment for children and adults alike. The first and second volumes of the collection consist of 10 articles each, covering topics from discovering life on other planets to superfluids that defy gravity.
In this latest release, the scientists share their insights on the following topics:
The Quirky Lives of Quarks: A Close Look into Matter, written by David Gross, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2004. Atoms are small units of matter that create everything we see. Inside atoms there are subatomic particles such as protons and neutrons, which compose the nucleus of the atom. Protons and neutrons are themselves composed of even smaller units called quarks. David Gross discovered how these quarks interact, explaining why the attraction force between them gets weaker as they get closer together and stronger as they move further apart.
Molecular Flashlights that Light Up Science, written by Martin Chalfie, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2008. Green fluorescent protein (GPF) is a tiny glowing molecule that was originally found in glowing jellyfish. Martin Chalfie developed a way to use GFP as a marker that scientists can use to learn what is going on inside cells and organisms. Since his breakthrough, GFP was used in many different studies, helping scientists understand how cells work, how certain viruses cause diseases, and how proteins fold.
The Ribosome – The Factory for Protein Production According to the Genetic Code, written by Ada Yonath, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2009. Proteins are small biological machines that work in our bodies as well as in the bodies of all animals, plants, viruses, and bacteria. They are produced by a protein production ‘factory’ in cells called the ribosome. Ada Yonath developed a method for studying the structure and function of ribosomes. This method could be used to study how antibiotics work and improve them.
The Secrets of Secretion: Protein Transport in Cells, written by Randy Schekman, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2013. Cells release substances to the blood and to other cells via a process called secretion. For a substance to be secreted, it needs to travel between different stations within the cell and then cross the outer envelope of the cell called a membrane. This travel of a substance within and outside a cell is performed by small carriers called vesicles, which are like little cars that take a passenger substance to its destination. Randy Schekman identified different stations that this ‘car’ goes through within the cell, and significantly contributed to understanding the whole pathway of this fundamental process of secretion.
Seeing Beyond the Limits with Super-Resolution Microscopy, written by Eric Betzig, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2014. Scientists often want to look at very small objects in order to study them. For many years it was believed that we cannot look with visible light on objects that are smaller than a fundamental property of light called its wavelength (the distance between two peaks in the light wave). Eric Betzig was able to break that limit using a method based on glowing molecules that are attached to the object scientists want to study. This paved the way for scientists to look at objects they could never see before.
The third volume will expand with more Nobel Laureate authors later this year, providing young readers the opportunity to learn even more about important discoveries.
Commenting on the new volume, Frontiers for Young Minds head of programLaura Hendersonsays: “It's wonderful to now have three volumes of our Nobel collection and so many Nobelist authors joining us to provide kids with access to their work. We want to ensure all science enthusiasts can read Nobel Prize-winning scientific concepts. With over 1.5 million reads and downloads of the articles in volumes one and two, I can't wait to see volume three inspire our young readers even more."
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