Participatory science is a collaborative process that engages the public in scientific research and data collection. Information collected through participatory science can fill data gaps that may exist due to time, geographic, or resource constraints. This information may be used to augment environmental data collected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), states, and Tribes and lead to broader environmental insights. E-Enterprise gathered regulatory partners and scientific practitioners to explore participatory science case studies and identify pathways to improved data management approaches.
Inconsistent data management practices can limit the usability of data collected through participatory science
Engaging the public through participatory science may expand scientific understanding and broaden environmental insights. However, realizing the full potential of participatory science data requires investment in infrastructure to support technical assistance and the quality, management, use, and understanding of data. Increasing the usability of participatory science data requires cooperation among the EPA, states, Tribes, and participatory science practitioners.
Creating a pathway for improved participatory science data management, collection, and use
Since 2020, E-Enterprise and its partners have achieved numerous milestones on our path to improved participatory science methods:
- Finalized a multi-stakeholder Roadmap and Theory of Change for participatory science data.
- Developed 12 technical case studies and a set of discussion papers.
- Finalized and released the EPA vision and principles for participatory science.
- In coordination with EELC tribal members, developed a Tribal Citizen Science White Paper detailing tribal case studies to showcase how tribes use participatory science in environmental protection and management. The paper shares best practices for tribal participatory science and identifies ways that the EPA, states, and other organizations can improve support for future activities.
- Finalized and released EPA’s Policy Guidelines and Checklist for Participatory Science Projects to help EPA staff and managers understand key requirements and design considerations for EPA participatory science projects.
Further resources and information
- Community science session at the EE2020 webinar in October 2020: Improving the Management and Use of Community Science Data: What Can We Learn From State and Tribal Programs?
- 15 case studies and best practices that describe how participatory science is used as a tool in both regulatory and non-regulatory environmental programs by states, Tribes, and local governments.
What’s next?
The EPA is undertaking two participatory science data management initiatives:
- An assessment of the data management requirements to facilitate participatory science data and use – Data Management Assessment & Action Plan.
- A Participatory Science Implementation Guide that will detail five data management themes and strategies for implementation and use of data throughout the agency.
Collaboration among co-regulators can significantly improve the quality, accessibility, and usability of community-provided data
Participatory science can be an important source of information to augment government data and broaden environmental insights. E-Enterprise supports partner collaboration to enhance the quality and usability of participatory science data. This cooperative work contributes to:
- Improved data infrastructure and tools: Increasing capacity to collect, share, analyze, and integrate participatory science data.
- Adoption of standards for data and collection: Expanding the use of existing data standards and streamlined collection methods.
- Greater data accessibility and transparency: Amplifying best practices for sharing data effectively and efficiently.
Key Contacts
Jules Vastine
U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development
vastine.jules@epa.gov
202-564-4394
