The winners of the EU Citizen Science Prize 2024 were announced today. Citizen science, the involvement of the general public in scientific research activities, contributes to the empowerment of civil society and is becoming increasingly popular in Europe. A total of 288 applications were submitted, of which three were awarded major citizen science awards and 27 were commended. The EU Citizen Science Award is funded by the EU research and innovation program Horizon Europe (2021-2027).

Commissioner Iliana Ivanova said: “I would like to warmly congratulate the winners of this year’s EU Citizen Science Award, but also to commend everyone who participated. Your initiatives provide answers to some of the most pressing challenges of our time and highlight the transformative potential of citizen science. They enhance the excellence and impact of our research and deepen the relationship and trust between science and society.”

The grand prize, worth €60,000, was awarded to the EU-funded INCREASE project for its outstanding achievements in promoting seed saving knowledge through the empowerment of citizens and civil society, particularly in rural areas. The Digital Communities Award, worth €20,000, is awarded to the CoAct for Mental Health project for using digital technologies to develop a personalized approach and improve the quality of life of people experiencing mental health problems. The diversity and collaboration prize, worth €20,000, is awarded to the project SeaPaCS_Participatory Citizens Science against Marine Pollution for the production of knowledge that bridges the existing cognitive and emotional gap between society and the sea.

Lena Flitzani