Citizen Science and Co-design for Climate and Sustainability

6th of May, Wednesday | 14:00 – 16:00h

13th of May, Wednesday | 14:00 – 16:00h

20th of May, Wednesday | 14:00 – 16:00h

Science For Change offers a short training programme designed to help professionals work with citizen science and participatory approaches in climate, environmental and sustainability projects.

Participatory methods such as citizen science and co-design are becoming increasingly present in European and international research and innovation programmes, where the involvement of citizens and stakeholders is often encouraged or required. This growing relevance also brings new methodological challenges for professionals involved in project design and implementation.

Through three interconnected modules, the course offers an overview of how citizen science and co-creation are used in climate and sustainability projects, what they involve in practice, and the challenges that arise when designing and implementing them. 

Drawing on real experience from implemented EU projects, the training combines conceptual input, case discussions and practical exercises, while creating space for participants to share their own perspectives and connect with others working in the field.

Who is it for?

This programme is designed for professionals working in climate, environmental and sustainability fields, including researchers, project managers, policy officers, practitioners, communicators, and engagement leads.

It is particularly relevant for those involved in EU projects, public institutions, NGOs, consultancies, or local and regional initiatives who want to develop more structured and reflective participatory practices.

Course objectives

After completing the three modules, participants will be able to:

• • • Understand core principles, models and limitations of citizen science in sustainability contexts.
    • Assess when participatory approaches are appropriate — and when they are not.
    • Identify key methodological challenges, including inclusion, power relations, data quality, governance and ethics.
    • Design participatory and co-design processes aligned with project goals and constraints.
    • Apply lessons from real cases to their own professional context.
    • Develop a clearer and more intentional approach to participatory work.

Learning approach

The programme is delivered online in a small-group, interactive format combining short inputs, guided discussion, case-based exercises and reflection.

Participants are encouraged to connect the content to their own projects and challenges, creating space for peer exchange, feedback and networking with other professionals working in climate and sustainability.

• • • Module 1 – Citizen Science and Participatory Research Foundations
    • Module 2 – Designing Citizen Science Projects for Sustainability
    • Module 3 – Co-design Methods for Climate and Sustainability Projects

Participants receive supporting materials and practical resources that can be directly applied in their own projects.

About Science For Change

Science For Change is a research and innovation organisation specialised in citizen science, participatory methods and public engagement in science.

We have extensive experience designing and implementing participatory processes in European projects, public policies and local initiatives, particularly in the fields of environment, health and social innovation.

Meet the Instructor

Leticia Domingos is a Sustainability Specialist at Science For Change and Academy Lead, with a background in urban planning, risk reduction and participatory research.

She works on European research and innovation projects as well as private initiatives, particularly in sustainability and educational areas. Before joining Science For Change, she worked as a consultant for the United Nations and has experience working with public institutions, research teams and educational initiatives.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact leticia.domingos@scienceforchange.eu