The Citizen Science Lab is a new university-wide unit whose main aim is to support scientific research conducted with the participation of the wider community. Dr hab. Przemysław Borkowski, prof. UG, has been appointed its director by the Rector of the University of Gdańsk. The ceremonial presentation of the appointment took place on 23 April.

The Citizen Science Lab was established within the University Centre for Applied and Interdisciplinary Research. It is a university-wide, cross-faculty unit intended to serve as a space for collaboration between researchers, students and members of the public in the implementation of research projects.

We asked the newly appointed Director of the Laboratory, dr hab. Przemysław Borkowski, prof. UG, about the immediate plans for the unit’s operation:

‘The main plan at the moment is to organise the laboratory so that it can begin operating,’ says Prof. Przemysław Borkowski. ‘We have already submitted our first application for a European project dedicated to this type of unit. We will also collaborate with similar units operating in various European Union countries. The next step is to establish cooperation with administrative bodies.’

The Laboratory’s tasks will include, amongst other things: conducting and supporting projects in the field of citizen science, involving the local community (particularly residents of the region) in scientific and educational projects, popularising science, and educating the public on scientific research methodology and the dissemination of knowledge. An important element is cooperation with external partners (e.g. public institutions, schools, businesses) – and jointly solving problems that are significant for science, the environment and local communities alike.

‘A major advantage of this type of laboratory is that the researchers are simply people, members of the public, who are committed to solving problems that interest them and which have real social significance’ emphasises prof. Przemysław Borkowski.

The tasks of the new unit are set out in the Laboratory’s regulations.