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Poster Short Abstract

This paper presents how a Structuring Project at UICISA:E is fostering research on Citizen Science and promoting citizens’ active involvement in nursing research through methodological development, co-creation, and participatory practices.

Poster Abstract

Although Citizen Science (CS) is well established internationally, its integration into nursing research in Portugal remains incipient. To address this challenge, the Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA:E) launched a Structuring Project (SP) dedicated to advancing research on CS and promoting the active involvement of citizens in research projects, contributing to the institutionalisation of these practices in the health domain. Launched in 2022, the SP “Citizen involvement in research processes and knowledge extension to society” supports Associated Study Projects (ASP) focused on creating and validating methodologies that facilitate citizen involvement, as well as identifying citizens’ needs, experiences, and motivations. Currently, five research projects are underway that both investigate and apply CS principles. These projects have developed co-creation methodologies with citizens, integrated them as researchers in the projects and co-authors in publications, carried out studies on researchers’ and citizens’ perceptions of CS, organised training and awareness activities of researchers in CS, implement a CS component in the undergraduate and postgraduate Nursing School curricula, and mapped how CS is integrated and monitored within the unit’s research projects. This growing field is driving significant changes in how science is conceived, developed, and communicated. The innovative potential of CS represents a new research paradigm that fosters social innovation, the democratisation of science, and improved scientific and health literacy. The SP at UICISA:E aligns with international research trends and contributes to strengthening nursing research in Portugal.