Dive Into Science - Pune Mirror 21.03.18, 09�12

Dive into science - Pune Mirror 21.03.18, 0912

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DIVE INTO SCIENCE

By Ashwin Khan, Pune Mirror | Updated: Feb 21, 2018, 02.30 AM IST

Attend an exhibition on citizen science to learn how you can collaborate with scientists

Although citizen science is not a new concept, collaboration between scientists and common people interested in contributing to scientific research, is yet to take off in the country. With an aim to encourage such partnerships, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune (IISER) is hosting researchers from Switzerland, who will share fresh ideas on the topic.

The speakers at ‘Citizen Science: An Exhibition on Participatory Research’ are Daniel Wyler, Dr Claudine Leysinger and Kevin Vega. Wyler, who is an emeritus professor at University of Zurich (UZH), is recognised for playing an important role in building up citizen science in Zurich. Leysinger is the general manager of UZH, and Vega will give an insight into his PhD project. “We hope the exhibition and talk will spark an interest in citizen science,” says Naresh Sharma, head of international relations at IISER.

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Examples of projects from varying disciplines, all of which involved participation of citizens in five key areas, such as language, cosmos, nature and landscape, will feature in the exhibition. The exposition organised by UZH Graduate Campus has been showcased earlier at different venues in Switzerland. “UZH approached us to host the event,” adds Sharma. Apart from exploring collaborative opportunities with institutions in India, the UZH researchers want to present their work to a wider audience. Scientific projects as diverse as measuring water levels, finding galaxies and identifying plants, which were part of 19 citizen science projects run by UZH and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ) are the subject of this poster exhibition on participatory research.

In a representative survey in Switzerland, 36 per cent of the population stated that they would like to work on a research programme, but in India there is a disconnect between citizens and scientists, says Sharma. “Both parties are to blame for this scenario.” Besides, the concept of citizen science is a fairly new phenomenon in the country, but plays an important role in enriching scientific inquiry in European countries. “Our role as scientists is to facilitate such events to encourage active participation of citizens in scientific research.”

Sharma says that both scientists and citizens can benefit from working together. “For instance, information collected by citizens on climate change can be interpreted by researchers.” He is hopeful that young people in India will warm up to work with researchers through such endeavours.

After the opening session by the guest speakers, the plan is to showcase the exhibition at IISER for 10 days. All are welcome to take part in the event.

WHERE: IISER, NCL Colony, Pashan WHEN: February 21, 2.30 pm onwards CALL: 25908000 ENTRY: Free