How can we track biodiversity loss at the speed and scale needed to protect our ecosystems? The eDNA Citizen Science project combines cutting-edge environmental DNA technology with citizen science to enable residents, community groups, and local organizations to monitor aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity in their neighborhoods.

Leiden University's Citizen Science Lab supports and organizes initiatives where anyone can get started with scientific data and research. This is how we enrich research with insights from the community, make science accessible to all, and tackle important local issues together.

In citizen science projects, citizens and scientists work together to develop new scientific knowledge.

The Citizen Science Lab is a transdisciplinary expertise centre that brings together scientists, policy makers, citizens and other societal stakeholders in participatory research initiatives that produce new knowledge, address scientific questions of relevance to society, and provide data and insights on urgent societal issues that need to be tackled together.

This year Leiden University exists for 444 years! This will be celebrated together with the residents of Leiden and The Hague during various activities. One of these is scientists and residents doing research on plastics and psychology together.

Do you have any questions about the Citizen Science Lab? Are you looking to participate in a local citizen science project? Do you want to establish a project for yourself and could use some support?

One of the goals of the Citizen Science lab is to be an incubator for citizen science projects. Over the years, the lab has been involved in creating and supporting various projects. Get inspired!

At almost midway through, the “Stoeplanten” (Pavement Plants) citizen science project has been very successful. This research was initiated by Nienke Beets, who while working for the Science Communication and Society research group and Hortus Botanicus, gave her contribution to the Stoeplanten project.

Nothing lasts forever. On the left you will find all of the Citizen Science Lab's completed projects.

The Citizen Science Lab has a Hub and Spoke structure, with some of the team based within LURIS, and other members of the team based within the Faculties of Leiden University on collaborative projects.