Delineating the contours of citizen science: Development of the ECSA characteristics of citizen science

This paper explores how to better understand and define citizen science, a research approach that involves public participation across many fields. Because citizen science is used in different ways, the authors introduce the ECSA Characteristics as a flexible framework to help people—such as policymakers and researchers—identify and apply it in their own contexts. The paper highlights the challenge of balancing strict and broad definitions and suggests a more inclusive approach that adapts to different needs while building on existing principles.