The Computing Community Consortium (CCC) will be hosting the Grand Challenges for the Convergence of Computational and Citizen Science Research workshop in-person from April 8 – 9, 2025 and virtual discussions. Their goal is to develop a research agenda on how humans and machines may team up to solve some of the most pressing scientific problems through citizen science, crowdsourcing, and community-engaged science.
Organizers Lea Shanley (International Computer Science Institute, Berkeley, CA), Corey Jackson (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Kevin Crowston (Syracuse University) and Saiph Savage (Northeastern University) are here to share the details.
What are you most excited for at the in-person workshop?
Lea: The idea for this workshop formed during a conversation we had with former CCC Executive Director Ann Drobnis and former CCC Board Member Elizabeth Mynatt at a CCC Summit in late-2017. At the time, only a handful of projects and platforms such as Zooniverse.org, Eyewire, and Stallcatchers were exploring the use of citizen science coupled with machine learning. For example, the U.S. Federal Community of Practice on Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science (FedCCS) had released the Citizen Science Toolkit with the launch of Citizenscience.gov, but only a few federal agencies had begun to think about how to integrate ML/AI with citizen science approaches. During the CCC Summit, we identified the need to develop a comprehensive research agenda at the intersection of citizen science and computer science, which would systematically identify and prioritize emergent research opportunities and address critical gaps. We formed a planning team and submitted the workshop proposal, but then the pandemic hit! Much has changed since the initial idea for the workshop. GenAI has captured international attention. Participatory science approaches have become more inclusive. And more and more projects are developing computational methods. We are on the cusp of another revolution! We are very thankful that the CCC has given us the opportunity to host this workshop, and are excited that this workshop and research agenda may catalyze future research funding calls, and inspire the next generation of researchers to pursue research at the convergence of computing and citizen science.
Corey: I am most excited about the opportunity to be in the same room with a diverse group of experts from across disciplines who have contributed to advancing citizen science. Having a concentrated space to brainstorm and share ideas with individuals who bring different perspectives and insights is invaluable for solving some of the grand challenges we intend to cover. The in-person workshop creates an environment where spontaneous discussions and collaborative problem-solving can happen more organically, which is often more challenging in virtual settings.
What are you most excited for at the virtual workshop discussions?
Lea: The best ideas arise from having a diversity of perspectives! Researchers and practitioners in many parts of the world are advancing the fields of citizen science and the computing and data sciences. The virtual workshop sessions will enable us to tap into that range of expertise and experience to better formulate a more comprehensive research agenda. It‘s also an opportunity for participants to connect with others from around the world to build their network internationally, sharing great ideas, novel research, and best practices!
What key focus areas of the workshop do you identify with and why?
Lea: An area that I’m especially interested in, which has not received sufficient research attention, is security and citizen science. This could include such things as computational approaches for protecting the location privacy and safety of project volunteers, to the impact of deep fakes, AI attacks, and misinformation/disinformation on the success of citizen science projects. As the adoption of computational approaches increases and as organizations begin to rely more and more on citizen science data and analysis, how might we ensure that citizen science and participatory science projects are operating in open AND secure environments.
How can individuals from regions with less access to ML/AI resources contribute effectively to this workshop?
Saiph: People from regions with limited access to ML/AI resources, such as academics in the Global South, can offer unique and valuable perspectives to the workshop. By sharing insights from their lived experiences and cultural contexts, they can help shape how AI and citizen science should be used to address local challenges. Further drawing from culture theory, these individuals could emphasize the need for AI that aligns with their communities’ values, social structures, and priorities. This includes promoting citizen-driven AI solutions that respect local knowledge and address inequalities. Their voices are crucial for making AI development more inclusive, culturally aware, and equitable globally.
What opportunities will in-person participants have to interact with experts from different disciplines during the workshop?
Kevin: In-person participants will be able to engage with other participants through formal presentations, small group discussions and informal interaction during social events.
If you’re interested in attending the in-person workshop or virtual discussions, visit our Open Calls page for more information.
