INCENTIVE aims to demonstrate the potential of citizen science through the co-creation, establishment and assessment of Citizen Science Hubs in four EU Universities: University of Twente (NL), Autonomous University of Barcelona (ES), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (EL) and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (LT).
By doing so, the project accelerates the transition of these institutions to more inclusive, open and democratic innovation and scientific governance, under the principles of Responsible Research and Innovation. The project seeks to deliver a legacy to European and international research institutes on how to create and operate their own Hub with the aim to secure a sustainable future.
What is our main challenge?
Research Performing and Funding Organisations (RPFOs) of Europe face a critical challenge: how to promote scientific excellence while making sure that science and innovation remain inclusive and benefit society? Global challenges like climate change, resource depletion and ecological destruction call for a strong alliance between science and society. However, there are still several barriers that need to be overtaken.
How INCENTIVE addresses this challenge?
The successful fulfilment of RPFO’s mission on answering those challenges requires the adoption of Responsible Research and Innovation principles into their practice and governance, thus calling citizens and stakeholders to mutually cooperate with scientists. INCENTIVE powers European RPFOs to embrace Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) through the paradigm of Citizen Science – a democratic and collaborative way of designing, implementing and monitoring scientific progress and technological growth.