In October 2025, CitiObs reached an important milestone. During the European Week of Regions and Cities — one of Europe’s largest gatherings of local and regional stakeholders — our community came together in Brussels. More than twenty projects from across the continent joined the event, representing Frontrunner and Alliance Cases working on air quality, urban heat, noise, and other environmental challenges. It was a powerful moment that showed how far CitiObs has come in building a shared voice for citizen science in Europe.
The atmosphere throughout the visit was vibrant and collaborative. Participants from different cities and initiatives exchanged ideas, reflected on their experiences, and discovered new ways to tackle shared challenges. Conversations flowed easily between practitioners and researchers, revealing how much knowledge and creativity already exists across our network.
CitiObs was also featured in an official European Week of Regions and Cities session, where we presented how citizen observatories are helping cities make more informed, inclusive, and science-based decisions. The discussion showed that citizen science is about much more than data collection — it is about empowerment and trust. As our colleague Hester Volten reminded us during the session:
“In these heavily polarized times, it seems that citizen science is an excellent way to give a voice to the silent majority. A voice for the people that believe in science and that are open to the possibility that the answer may not be so simple.”
With the Brussels visit behind us, CitiObs is now preparing for the next chapter: welcoming new partners as Fellow Cases. These new initiatives will join a growing network of 35+ observatories and projects already working together across Europe. Fellow Cases will have access to CitiObs’ practical toolkits, the CitiObs Data Hub, and upcoming workshops and events. It’s a chance to learn, connect, and co-create — strengthening how citizen-generated data supports better environmental governance. The open call for Fellow Cases is now live on our website for those who wish to join.
Looking ahead, CitiObs will continue expanding this momentum. The coming months will bring new implementation workshops, another study visit, and a series of roadshows to share what works and inspire others to replicate successful practices. Each step builds on the same spirit that defined Brussels — collaboration, openness, and a shared belief that citizens and science together can drive meaningful change.
The study visit in Brussels showed what happens when people who care about their communities come together to exchange knowledge and act collectively. As we prepare for the next stage, we invite new partners to join us. Together, we can amplify the impact of citizen science and build more inclusive, resilient, and knowledge-driven cities for all.
