Seed Grants for participatory Citizen Science Projects

Citizen Science Zurich aims to promote the participation and involvement of citizens in science and research and to enable the implementation of innovative research projects. With the Seed Grants we provide incentives for such participatory research. ETH researchers and citizens are given the opportunity to develop and implement participatory pilot projects together. It is important to us that researchers and citizens conduct research together on an equal footing and at eye level. Priority is given to projects that, in addition to promising excellent research, make a contribution to society and have a substantial degree of participation throughout as many phases as practicable in the research process. Seed Grants may also be awarded for projects on participatory research.

34 projects supported so far

Since 2019 external page Citizen Science Zurich has funded around six pilot projects each year through its Seed Grants. The funded projects are based in a wide range of disciplines - from urban development and health topics to biodiversity and social sciences. But one thing they all have in common: citizens are an active part within the project. The Seed Grants are made possible by the Mercator Foundation Switzerland. Applications can be made for up to CHF 40,000 and the funds must be used within 12 months of the start of the funding period. In addition to financial support, Citizen Science Zurich provides assistance in the form of consulting and moderation services. For projects that want to collect or analyse digital data, we recommend exploring the two tools offered by Citizen Science Zurich. The "CS Logger" allows to create an app in simple steps, enabling activities such as taking photos, uploading videos, or conducting surveys. The "CS Project Builder" allows the creation and publication of projects involving citizens in the analysis of (digital) data. 

Research with and for society

Citizen Science Zurich is a joint initiative by ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, supported by the Mercator Foundation Switzerland. We strive for an open, diverse and inclusive science, where research is done with the public and for the public, and where Citizen Science is accepted as a standard respectively general research approach. Our mission is to inspire and support people to engage in different forms of participatory research. We aim to increase participation of citizens in academia and want to enable an effective collaboration between science and society.