When Science Belongs to Everyone: A Sociological Exploration of the Innovative Process of Citizen Science

Science and technology have become inextricably intertwined with people's daily lives, profoundly influencing social relations, habits, lifestyles and work activities, and exerting a substantial influence on public opinion. In response to these changes, institutions are required to reformulate communication models and knowledge governance strategies. In this scenario, Citizen Science emerges as a participatory tool that actively involves citizens in scientific production, thereby redefining the concept of openness in science and promoting more inclusive forms of knowledge construction. The present study proposes a sociological reflection on these dynamics, investigating the Italian case through a mixed methodological approach. The analysis focuses on the potential of Citizen Science to contribute to the definition of public policies, highlighting the social and political implications of this participatory change.

Noemi Crescentini is a PhD in Social Sciences and Statistics. She is a postdoctoral researcher and contract lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Naples Federico II. She has also conducted research as a visiting scholar at the Citizen Science Competence Centre, which is affiliated with the University of Zurich and the ETH Zurich. Her research interests lie in the social studies of science and technology, scientific and health communication and social research methodology.