UQ students promote citizen science

Science research isn’t just for scientists—anyone can be a citizen scientist by spotting and recording wildlife, deciphering pictures of distant galaxies, or monitoring the colour of our coral reefs.
The University of Queensland’s Presenting Science students are offering a “You Be the Scientist” information night from 6.30pm-8pm on May 24 at the Indooroopilly Library.

The students will explain how citizen science works, why it is important, and will identify some potential citizen science opportunities.

Dr Kathy Townsend from UQ’s Moreton Bay Research Station will discuss how her research on turtles and manta rays benefits from citizen science.

“Volunteers are an invaluable resource for my research,” Dr Townsend said.

As part of the Turtles in Trouble project, Dr Townsend is studying the effect of marine debris on sea turtles. This requires huge areas of beach to be surveyed for debris which then has to be categorised.

“With volunteer input, this task, which would take my small research team days to complete, is reduced to a matter of hours,” Dr Townsend said.

Event organiser Simon Nickerson said citizen science was a hot trend in scientific research.

“Citizen science is an exciting new development – it’s a way for the public to take an active role in scientific research,” he said.

“Our event will show people some of the projects they can get involved with, including astronomy, climate research and ecology.”

Attendees will have an opportunity to hear about citizen science in action, as well as try out some online citizen science projects.

Anyone from any age group is welcome to attend.

For more information, please visit youbethescientist.wordpress.com

Event details: Date: Tuesday 24 May Time: 6:30 pm – 8.00 pm Cost: Free Venue: Indooroopilly Library Meeting Room, Level 4 Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, 322 Mogill Road, Indooroopilly.
Media: Sally Grosvenor (0410 682 199, slyg@novozymes.com)