Children's Citizen Science and the Natural Environment: Motivations, Experiences and Outcomes

This PhD project explores the role of volunteering in the natural environment and specifically examines citizen-science initiatives aimed at children and young people. A number of campaigns in the UK combine scientific biodiversity and ecosystem surveys with outdoor learning encounters for children and young people. Whilst there has been considerable recent interest in citizen science across the natural and social sciences, little attention has been paid to children's own experiences of participating in citizen science, as well as the benefits and challenges for stakeholders. This research will explore three questions: first, how do citizen science campaigns and projects target and engage children and young people; second, what are their motivations, experiences and outcomes for engaging in citizen science; finally, what are the benefits and challenges for stakeholders, and the legacy of this work?

This PhD will address these questions utilising qualitative research with children, young people and stakeholders in order to bridge the gap between studies on citizen science from a biodiversity and conservation perspective, and social science investigations into the geographies of informal education, volunteering and nature-based learning. Outcomes of this project will shed new light on children's citizen science and the natural environment, shaping future policy and practice.