Call for papers - Citizen science in ecological research

Guest Editors

Gerid Hager, MSD, MScBA, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Austria
Benjamin Kent Haywood, PhD, Furman University, USA

Submission Status: Open | Submission Deadline: 20 December 2024

BMC Ecology and Evolution is calling for submissions to our Collection on Citizen science in ecological research. Engagement of the public in scientific research plays a crucial role in addressing the increasing challenges confronting our natural environment. Citizen science involves various methods and uses, bridging knowledge disparities, advocating for open scientific practices, and fostering cooperation beyond the scientific sphere to guide the management of natural resources, conservation efforts, and policymaking. As well as welcoming manuscripts on the outcomes of ecological research using citizen science approaches, the Collection also encourages contributions from social science regarding ways to advance citizen science as a practice within the field.

New Content Item This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 15: Life on Land.

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Meet the Guest Editors

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Gerid Hager, MSD, MScBA, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Austria

Gerid Hager is a research project lead in the Novel Data Ecosystems for Sustainability Research Group at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria. She develops participatory approaches and tools to science and the understanding of systems, including citizen science, serious games, social simulations, and participatory systems modelling. She is currently co-principal investigator of Urban ReLeaf, a Horizon Europe project which fosters citizen-powered data ecosystems for inclusive and green urban transitions as well as leading citizen science activities on biodiversity in 11 farmer clusters in Europe as part of the Horizon 2020 project FRAMEwork.

Extended bio found here.

Benjamin Kent Haywood, PhD, Furman University, USA

Trained as an environmental geographer, Dr Benjamin Haywood's scholarship focuses on public engagement in and citizen science, environmental education and learning, sense of place, animal studies, and conservation. Currently, as the Associate Director of the Faculty Development Center at Furman University, Dr Haywood utilizes insight from the learning sciences to provide direct support for a wide variety of programs, workshops, and strategic initiatives that enhance teaching and learning.

About the Collection

BMC Ecology and Evolution is calling for submissions to our Collection on Citizen science in ecological research. Public participation in scientific research is vital to tackle growing challenges facing the natural world. Citizen science encompasses diverse approaches and applications, helping to address knowledge gaps, promote open science principles, and foster collaboration beyond the scientific community to inform natural resource management, conservation, and policymaking. Technological advancements are opening the door and expanding the avenues for anyone to help ecologists make scientific discoveries. From design to implementation, evaluation and data management, BMC Ecology and Evolution welcomes the submission of papers using citizen science in ecological research. As well as welcoming manuscripts on the outcomes of ecological research using citizen science approaches, the Collection also encourages contributions from social science regarding ways to advance citizen science as a practice within the field.

Reviews and commentary articles are welcome following consultation with the editor, Jennifer Harman (Jennifer.harman@springernature.com).

Image credit: luckybusiness / Stock.adobe.com

There are currently no articles in this collection.

Submission Guidelines

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This Collection welcomes submission of original Research Articles. Should you wish to submit a different article type, please read our submission guidelines to confirm that type is accepted by the journal. Articles for this Collection should be submitted via our submission system, Snapp. During the submission process you will be asked whether you are submitting to a Collection, please select "Citizen science in ecological research" from the dropdown menu.

Articles will undergo the journal’s standard peer-review process and are subject to all of the journal’s standard policies. Articles will be added to the Collection as they are published.

The Editors have no competing interests with the submissions which they handle through the peer review process. The peer review of any submissions for which the Editors have competing interests is handled by another Editorial Board Member who has no competing interests.