The German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig in cooperation with the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) will conduct its fifth summer school “Citizen Science – Innovation in Open Science, Society and Policy” from 21 to 28 August 2019 in Leipzig, Germany.

Dr. Anett Richter, Susanne Hecker and Prof. Aletta Bonn, head of the research group Ecosystem Services, in cooperation with the graduate school yDiv are hosting and organising this summer school.

During the seven summer school days, participants will be immersed into different topics in integrated biodiversity sciences through citizen science in theory and practice.

The course will address different aspects of citizen science as an innovative tool for open science, society and policy. We will deliver new insights into the values and tools of and in citizen science. Participants will also gain hands-on experiences on how to do citizen science and will work on two research projects with an opportunity to present results at the iDiv conference that takes place immediately after the iDiv summer school (29 to 30 August 2019).

The summer school aims to attract early career scientists (graduates and post grads) from around the world with an overall interest in integrated biodiversity research using participatory approaches to bridge science, society and policy.  

Topics to be covered include:

• History and the rise of Citizen Science around the world
• Operationalization and Professionalization in Citizen Science 
• Principles in Citizen Science
• Science Communication in Citizen Science
• Citizen Science in Practice: Design and Implementation
• Data in Citizen Science: Management, Analysis and Presentation

For any questions, please contact summerschool@idiv.de.

The programme includes lectures in the morning, followed by training sessions and workshops in the afternoon. During the summer school 2019 two research projects will be performed by the participants. Each day, time will be devoted for the research project. Participants will work in small groups and guided by tutors. The outputs of the research projects will be presented by the participants at the iDiv conference.

A colorful side program for social activities with a sightseeing tour of Leipzig, visits to parks and a conference dinner and BBQ will be offered to allow time for networking and having fun.

The programme of the summer school will consist of:

• Lectures
• Methodological lectures and exercises
• Hands-on sessions and own research project
• Workshops in small groups lead by mentors
• Presentation of the results by participants
• Meet an expert session
• Exchange with iDiv researchers at the iDiv Conference

Download the programme here.

The lecturers and project leaders of this summer school will include the scientific staff of the Ecosystem Service Lab and international experts in Citizen Science.

• Dr Anett Richter, Postdoc at the Ecosystem services group
• Susanne Hecker, PhD at the Ecosystem services group
• Prof. Aletta Bonn, Head of the Ecosystem services group

The summer school will take place from 21 to 28 August 2019 at iDiv, which is located at the BioCity Leipzig. The site has good transport connections in the immediate vicinity of the university’s natural science campus.

BioCity Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5, 04103 Leipzig

As course fee, all participants are expected to pay EUR 150. This covers the costs of teaching and materials, coffee breaks and lunch, the cultural programme, and the accommodation. All participants will be provided a single room in a two-room apartment in the city center (Apartment Central) from 21-28 August (7 nights).

If you would like to attend the iDiv conference on 29-30 August, please indicate your interest in the application form. Registration and participation are for free, while accommodation during the conference has to be taken care of by each participant.

Participants are generally asked to cover the costs of their trip and any meals (except when included as part of the summer school programme).

We are accepting applications mainly from early career scientists (PhD students and postdocs) with an overall interest in integrated biodiversity research using participatory approaches to bridge science, society and policy.

Please submit your application using our online portal. In addition to personal information, you should be prepared to submit the following information:

1) A motivation letter stating your motivation, and how the participation to the summer school is relevant to you and to your career objectives

2) An abstract describing your research project, including involved institutions and people

3) An up-to-date CV including past and in prep publications

4) Whether you would like to join the iDiv conference on 29-30 August

The application deadline is Sunday, 5 May 2019, and each applicant will be informed about admission in the beginning of June. The selection of candidates will be done by the project leaders.

The maximum number of participants is 20. The gender and nationality of applicants will be taken into account to maintain diverse participation.

Applications from the developing countries, especially from female applicants, are particularly encouraged.

For any questions, please contact summerschool@idiv.de.