Social enterprise recruits students to be citizen scientists out of the lab

Do you know which district has the worst light pollution in Hong Kong? In the social innovation project “Citizen science program for teens”, one secondary school student proposed the idea of using a stargazing app, to determine the level of light pollution based on the brightness of the stars. No expensive equipment needed—you can find out the answer in a simple and creative way. So, does a new idea alone make her a citizen scientist?

Scientific research calls for public participation 

The concept of Citizen Science has boomed worldwide in recent years, referring to the active involvement of non-professional individuals in the process of scientific research, from collaboration and data collection to analysing and problem solving. Founded by four postgraduates, social enterprise iResearch aims to make scientific research more accessible for public participation. “In fact, research involves all ages —any Hong Kong citizen interested in science could contribute, for example, engaging in surveys, field studies and interviews.” 

Recruiting underprivileged students to join the project

As one of the 6-month Incubatees of MakerBay Foundation’s Impact Innovation Lab, receiving The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund, “Citizen science program for teens” recruits and trains underprivileged students to be citizen scientists. Step by step, students explore how to identify research topics through observation, design effective experiments, collect and analyse data, and develop science communication skills to articulate the goals and significance of their work.  During the 6-month experiential learning course, the team invited scholars from different fields to be tutors, and students showcased their research proposals in the form of a pitching competition at the end.

Knowledge and network pave the way to a promising future 

The real challenge for the students comes after the competition. “We hope they can learn on their own. The knowledge and network they gained from the project will be great assets and a driving force for their future research.” Most students are very studious and self-motivated, even those who study subjects unrelated to science still take the initiative to participate in research for an all-round development, applying the scientific knowledge they acquired to other disciplines. The team believes that the sense of achievement derives from research is what appeals. “We all had lots of questions when we were kids, which parents and teachers had no answer to, but now you can solve them all by yourself, and be the first to find out the answer.”

A win-win for researchers and subjects

After the completion of Incubation, iResearch continues to be the bridge between public and research of different kinds, assisting in participant recruitment for various research projects. “Participating in research not only comes with immediate rewards, but also long-term benefits for both individuals and the communities you represent” Scientific research relies on public support to thrive—and its success goes both ways.