On 14 March 2024, the Library of the University of Latvia in collaboration with the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Arts of the University of Latvia and the Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences of the University of Latvia hosted citizen science enthusiasts, implementers, researchers, and other stakeholders at the conference “Citizen Science in Latvia”. The conference was organized within the framework of the 82nd International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia.
15 papers were presented and more than 60 participants from LU research institutes, cultural heritage institutions and other organizations in Latvia were gathered. This was the first conference on citizen science in Latvia. It was an opportunity to explore the phenomenon of citizen science both – from the humanities perspective – digital humanities, linguistics, history, cultural studies – and from the natural science perspective – environmental science, mycology, monitoring of birds and insects. There were also opportunities to discuss citizen science and interdisciplinary topics such as research ethics, data quality, volunteer motivation and engagement.
During the conference, the audience was introduced to current citizen science developments that involve representatives from Latvia. Among them is the LibOCS project and its results – a study report on the role of libraries and other memory institutions. Representatives of different science fields learned about the possibilities and potential of libraries to support citizen science initiatives and projects.
About the conference.
Read the study report on Zenodo.
