Professor Chubb has issued a media release on the launch of the Occasional Paper, Building Australia through Citizen Science.

You can read the release below or download itas a pdf.

You can also downloada copy of the Occasional Paper and access more information on getting involved in Citizen Science here.

HARNESSING PEOPLE POWER TO ADVANCE SCIENCE

Australian science is benefitting from people power with a growing number of citizen scientists helping expand scientific knowledge and discovery.

A new paper from the Office of the Chief Scientist highlights the important role of people in the community collecting data to help solve real world problems.

Today in Australia more than 130,000 people, of all ages, are active in over 90 scientific projects.

“Science is awesome, and is crucially important to all our lives. There is no better way to learn about science than to practise it,” Australia’s Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb said.

“Citizen scientists in Australia have already helped to find distant galaxies, discovered new species and assisted with insights to fight diseases like HIV/AIDS and Alzheimer’s.

“People with curiosity and a passion for science are making a difference – often helped by the smartphone in their pocket.”

The paper, Building Australia through Citizen Science, highlights the role of new technologies, with smartphones, GPS and sensors expanding the opportunities for people to contribute.

Citizen science projects in Australia have already mobilized 10,000 people to collect 10 million records for a birds database and more than 9,600 people analysed 330,000 photos of marine habitats in a single week.

People from the community are also doing crucial work in monitoring dust activity using traps and air samplers. Over 500 people recorded 1,500 sightings in a koala count.

Those interested in learning more about science in the community, can visit www.scienceweek.net.au, the website of National Science Week.

The paper on citizen science can be found at www.chiefscientist.gov.au.

Media enquiries: clinton.porteous@chiefscientist.gov.au or 0410 029 407