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Short Abstract

Waag Futurelab empowers citizens to shape their environment through collaborative research. We present Hollandse Luchten and Thermostaat to show how citizen science, through shared data, dialogue, and action perspectives, can influence policy to improve local living conditions.

Abstract

Waag Futurelab is a research organisation dedicated to fostering a sustainable and just society. Using public research methods, we collaborate with citizens, governments, designers, artists, and scientists to empower communities to sense, monitor, and improve their environments.

We wish to highlight two flagship citizen science initiatives that have, and are, shaping policy and action: Hollandse Luchten and Thermostaat.

Hollandse Luchten is a long-term collaboration among citizens, governments, and knowledge institutes aimed at enhancing local living environments. We emphasise reciprocal public-civic collaboration through shared measurement plans, active involvement of municipalities, and co-created action plans. These strategies not only strengthen citizens’ sense of ownership and accountability but also enhance the policy relevance of collected data. Tools for shared data interpretation enable citizens and policymakers to build mutual understanding, bridge perspectives, and foster trust.

Thermostaat brought together citizens, journalists, and researchers to address indoor heat stress during heatwaves, an emerging risk in well-insulated Dutch housing. Citizens used low-cost sensors to monitor temperature and humidity, comparing data via an online platform. Insights from these combined measurements and lived experiences informed dialogue with housing organisations and municipalities, leading to policy changes in some cases.

Through these case studies, we demonstrate how early and equitable collaboration, clear action perspectives, and shared ownership can strengthen the role of citizen science in shaping policy, bridging gaps between communities and decision-makers, and improving local living environments.