An Everyday DNA blog article
Written by: Sarah Sharman, PhD
Illustrated by: Cathleen Shaw
When many people picture a scientist, they envision someone in a white lab coat pipetting liquid into test tubes or trekking through rainforests cataloging rare species. Science might seem like the domain of technologically advanced laboratories, ivy-covered research institutions, or researchers with years of schooling. But science isn’t reserved for a select few. In fact, you don’t need an advanced degree or even a lab to be part of the scientific process.
Anyone with a curiosity for the natural world can participate in the scientific endeavor. Many research initiatives rely on ‘citizen scientists’ to help collect samples, record measurements, provide observations about the natural world, or participate in health-related research. In this article, we’ll discuss what science is, how it is done, and how you can participate.
What is science?
At its core, science is a systematic, evidence-based approach to understanding how the natural world works. It’s about asking questions and finding reliable answers, from the makeup of atoms to the migration patterns of birds to the evolution of galaxies.
Science is broad, encompassing biology, astronomy, physics, chemistry, ecology, medicine, and more. Often, discoveries begin with sheer curiosity: What happens if we mix these two compounds? Why do some diseases affect certain people but not others?
Scientific knowledge is constantly evolving, with new evidence reshaping old ideas. A classic example is the coelacanth, a fish species believed extinct 80 million years ago until one was found alive off the coast of South Africa in 1938. That discovery flipped the script, opening new questions about its survival.
Science builds on itself, and it works best when tested and retested by many people in many ways. This process of testing ideas and building knowledge is called the scientific method.
The scientific method isn’t just a step-by-step checklist; it’s a flexible, iterative process. It usually involves:
- Making observations or asking a question
- Proposing a hypothesis — a testable explanation for what you’re seeing
- Designing and conducting an experiment or study to test the hypothesis
- Collecting and analyzing data
- Drawing conclusions and sharing results
- Revising ideas and repeating the process if needed
Scientists repeat this cycle to refine their understanding. The key is that science requires evidence, not just opinions. Any hypothesis or conclusion must be testable and challengeable by new data. Science embraces uncertainty and revision as one of its greatest strengths. Confidence in a scientific idea grows through repeated testing and validation by different people in different settings.
Ultimately, the scientific method isn’t reserved for professionals; it’s a way of thinking critically, asking good questions, and being open to new information.
What is citizen science?
Citizen science is public participation in scientific research. Whether you’re a middle school student with a smartphone or a retiree watching birds, you can be a citizen scientist. We can all contribute by collecting data, helping analyze findings, or even designing studies.
Citizen science is often free, voluntary, and open to anyone. Thanks to the rise of smartphones and internet-based platforms, participation has never been easier. Citizen science is inclusive and collaborative, helping bridge the gap between formal researchers and curious members of the public.
To be considered citizen science, a project typically involves:
- Open participation: anyone can contribute.
- Standardized methods: participants follow the same protocol so their data can be analyzed together.
- Real-world impact: data supports real scientific conclusions or policy decisions.
- Collaborative communities: scientists and volunteers share data, findings, and knowledge with one another and the broader public.
Citizen science in action
Citizen science can take many forms. Imagine someone standing in their backyard, snapping photos of migrating birds. A student measuring the pH of river water during a science class field trip. Or a gamer sitting on their couch with a controller, unknowingly helping advance microbiome research by playing a video game.
In 2020, “Borderlands Science” launched within the popular video game Borderlands 3. Researchers embedded a mini-game with a real-world goal: to improve how genetic material of gut microbes is aligned and analyzed.
Players solved colorful tile-matching puzzles. Behind the scenes, they were helping scientists identify similarities and variations in DNA sequences from human gut microbes. Over one million players contributed within the first month, vastly improving data that algorithms alone couldn’t decode as accurately. It’s an innovative example of how citizen science meets people where they are: at home, on their consoles, contributing to cutting-edge biology while having fun.
Benefits of citizen science
Citizen science thrives on mutual benefit. For scientists, tapping into the power of many hands greatly expands research scope. Projects once limited by time, geography, or funding can now collect data globally. Crowdsourced measurements, when guided by consistent protocols, can increase accuracy and reach exponentially.
Beyond data, there’s a human connection. Public engagement allows scientists to share the “why” behind their work, build trust, and strengthen science literacy. It opens doors to collaboration and builds public interest in the scientific process itself, vital for long-term support of research.
For volunteers, it offers a sense of purpose and participation. Citizen scientists are empowered by contributing to discoveries, learning new skills, and expanding their understanding of complex topics like genetics or environmental health. For some, it’s about a deeper connection to the natural world; for others, it’s about using science to create community change. Participants often gain renewed awareness and sometimes even shift how they think, act, or vote on science-related issues.
When millions collectively engage in science, we unlock unprecedented potential. Citizen science allows us to ask bigger questions and collect more data than ever. It supports transparency and drives innovation.
This shift also shapes policy. A more engaged and informed public is better equipped to advocate for science-based decisions, from climate policy to healthcare research funding.
How can you be a citizen scientist?
Many projects are available online, often through dedicated platforms or university websites. You can search for projects by topic (e.g., birds, astronomy, water quality), location, or even by the amount of time you have to commit. Some popular global platforms to explore include:
- Zooniverse: A massive collection of online projects across many fields, from transcribing historical documents to classifying galaxies.
- SciStarter: A searchable database of thousands of citizen science projects, with tools to help you track your contributions.
- Local organizations: Check with your local nature centers, museums, universities, or environmental groups, as they often have ongoing community science initiatives.
Residents of North Alabama can contribute to groundbreaking human health research at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Two studies are actively seeking participants for studies on critical conditions like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. These studies are crucial for identifying biomarkers, understanding disease progression, and paving the way for new treatments.
