Citizen Science in Slovenia

On the last day of July, an exhibition titled Discover, Participate, Research – Citizen Science in Slovenia was opened at the Krakovo Embankment in Ljubljana. The phrase "citizen science", which has become established as the Slovene equivalent of the English term, refers to "a form of scientific research in which anyone can participate as a non-professional researcher, regardless of age, education, or expertise," according to the organisers, the Citizen Science Network.

"The roots of citizen science go far back in history. Many prominent figures – such as biologist Charles Darwin, palaeontologist Mary Anning, and polymath Janez Vajkard Valvasor – made groundbreaking discoveries without formal education in the fields they studied," reads one of the introductory panels of the exhibition, which also features illustrations by Kristina Hoffman (the exhibition was designed by Til Mlakar). In the past, science was also promoted by noblemen – curious and often wealthy explorers of the world. One of the earliest successful collaborations between scientists and science enthusiasts was the so-called Christmas Bird Count in the USA and Canada, organised by the National Audubon Society. It has taken place annually since 1900, with at least 60,000 volunteers taking part each year.

Among the projects presented in the exhibition Discover, Participate, Research, which will remain on display until the end of August 2025, are several involving the Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (ZRC SAZU) or its researchers (ZRC SAZU is also part of the Citizen Science Network through the Digital Research Infrastructure for the Arts and Humanities, DARIAH-SI). In the letter-collecting project entitled Letters, Dr. Petra Svoljšak, Head of the Milko Kos Historical Institute, serves as a member of the advisory board, as well as the Slovenian Biography project is being developed in cooperation between ZRC SAZU and the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SAZU).

The interactive exhibition, consisting of 22 posters and featuring over 30 projects, was created by a team led by Dr. Zarja Muršič. Guided tours will also be available on two Thursdays in August (the 7th and 21st), the organisers added.