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Short Abstract

Ten years after examining the openness of data in biodiversity citizen science, this review assesses progress in data sharing and argues for involving experienced data scientists early to ensure open, sustainable and compliant data stewardship

Abstract

In 2016, we examined whether citizen science in biodiversity monitoring truly embodied the principles of open science. Our analysis of Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) datasets showed a paradox: while citizen scientists were often held up as an example of Open Science, their datasets were among the least openly licensed. At that time, many projects lacked licensing, imposed non-commercial restrictions, or obfuscated data. Although open data sharing is absolutely needed to resolve the biodiversity crisis, we concluded that voluntary data collection did not necessarily result in open sharing.

A decade later, this talk revisits that analysis to assess whether openness of biodiversity citizen science data have improved. Using updated GBIF metadata and examples from ongoing projects, I reevaluate licensing, attribution norms, and data governance practices. I also review how new frameworks, such as the FAIR principles, GDPR compliance, and Access and Benefit Sharing obligations are potentially influencing the data sharing in citizen science.

Beyond quantifying change, this presentation argues that sustainable open science requires embedding data science expertise from the conceptual stages of biodiversity projects. Data scientists who understand both the technical, legislative and ethical dimensions of open data, including privacy protection, community data ownership, and equitable benefit sharing, are critical for designing systems that are simultaneously open, compliant, and trusted.

This reflection highlights the need for transparent data policies, recognition systems aligned with contributor motivations, and interdisciplinary teams that can navigate the interplay between openness, ethics, and sustainability.