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Short Abstract

RIECS-Concept explores the feasibility, governance, and sustainability of a pan-European Research Infrastructure for Citizen Science. In this quick introduction, we will share our vision plus details about the co-design process: methodologies, engagement model, strategic plans and first results.

Abstract

RIECS-Concept explores the feasibility, governance, and sustainability of a pan-European Research Infrastructure (RI) for Excellent (E) Citizen Science (CS). In this introductory presentation, we will share our vision for a federated and co-owned infrastructure, together with details of the conceptualization and co-design process that underpins its future development.

The project is structured around three objectives: (1) assessing the technical feasibility of RIECS, including services, resources, and approaches to data and metadata integration; (2) developing a strategic roadmap for governance, sustainability, and implementation; and (3) fostering open, participatory governance through continuous engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Our methodology combines desk research, stakeholder mapping, and co-design activities with ten stakeholder groups, ranging from citizens and practitioners to policymakers, NGOs, technology providers, and existing infrastructures. This engagement feeds directly into key outputs such as a catalogue of services and resources forming a conceptual design, and an implementation and sustainability roadmap for the future implementation. These results are expected to provide the essential foundation for RIECS’s future application to the ESFRI (European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures) roadmap.

At ECSA 2026, we will share first results and lessons from the initial engagement cycle. These include requirements, solutions and expectations for both technical and non-technical aspects that should facilitate the policy roundtable. This contribution will also offer an overview of our strategic mission and vision, inviting a dialogue with the citizen science community and policy stakeholders on how RIECS can become an impactful research infrastructure serving science, policy, and society.