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Short Abstract

Citizen Science Connected is building a Swiss-wide network of CS Contact Points at higher education institutions. We share our aims, challenges, and early learnings in establishing this network, offering insights for other European countries seeking to implement or strengthen CS structures.

Abstract

Citizen Science (CS) in Switzerland is dynamic, yet fragmented. Many universities and grassroots actors engage in it, but activities remain isolated and lack visibility. To address this, CS Connected – a project by the University of Zurich and the University of Geneva – aims to establish a Swiss-wide network of CS Contact Points at universities and universities of applied sciences.

The project pursues two parallel goals: (1) co-creating a roadmap for a sustainable network of CS Contact Points, and (2) developing a Swiss-wide CS initiative in sustainability through a student competition. Contact Points are envisioned as visible, approachable hubs that promote CS locally, while the national initiative fosters institutional support, student engagement, and public visibility.

We will share first experiences and learnings, including identifying institutional gaps, engaging partners, and co-designing formats for mutual learning, while also outlining future pathways: enhancing visibility, increasing recognition within funding landscapes, and positioning CS as a well-known and widely accepted practice. We will also discuss the opportunities and challenges we encountered, including institutional buy-in, resource needs, and maintaining momentum.

Finally, we will reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of focusing on universities and universities of applied sciences (higher education institutions) in establishing this network and the effects this decision may have on the visibility and accessibility outside major university locations.