Chapter 3 Citizen Scientist Roles and Motivations

How are citizen scientists involved?

  • They find specimens, send them to the local operational partner, and contribute in tracking these public health hazards.

How are tasks divided between citizen scientists and experts?

  • See above.

What motivates the citizen scientists?

  • Fighting disease. Personal health and safety for their families and communities.
  • They can be the first to discover invasive or even completely new species.
  • Part of classroom education projects to boost understanding of biodiversity, public health, the consequences of climate change, and increase genetic literacy.