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Short Abstract

As a Citizen Science Ambassador in a country with strong CS traditions, I reflect on how university alliances—like Circle U—can help anchor citizen science institutionally and act as multipliers to strengthen academia’s engagement in citizen science.

Abstract

As a Citizen Science Ambassador in a country where citizen science is well established, I see a growing need to move from promoting citizen science toward anchoring it structurally within academia. One promising path lies in university alliances, which increasingly shape the strategic and societal role of universities across Europe.

Drawing on my experience within the Circle U. European University Alliance, I explore how such alliances can act as powerful platforms for institutional change and knowledge exchange. With their cross-border structures, long-term collaborations, and shared commitment to societal engagement, alliances like Circle U. offer a valuable entry point for embedding citizen science into research agendas, curricula, and university strategies.

In this contribution, I reflect on the potential for a "domino effect": leveraging the networks and influence of university alliances to multiply citizen science awareness and practices—not just among academics, but also among students, local communities, and policy actors. I share insights about possibilities for ECSA to explore structured partnerships with alliances like Circle U. to further integrate citizen science into the European Higher Education and Research Area. As ambassadors, we can act as connectors and facilitators, aligning institutional opportunities with ECSA’s broader mission.