June 5 | 9:00 - 13:30
The seminar is being organised on June 5, World Environment Day. It is part of the Circle U. Climate Day 2025.
It will explore how citizen science can enrich research and enhance our understanding of key challenges, particularly environmental ones.
Through presentations and interactive discussions, the opportunities and challenges of this approach will be brought to light. A unique opportunity to discover, debate, and envision the future of collaborative research.
Want to find out more about citizen science? Click here to read the article.
9h00-9h30: Welcome (coffee/tea)
9h30-9h45: Introduction
9h45-10h15: Presentation "Environmental information and decision making - from experts only to a transdisciplinary perspective" - Muki Haklay, Université de Paris-Cité, UCLondon, European Citizen Science Association
10h15-10h45: Presentation “Valuing what citizens know: embracing diverse perspectives for climate and environmental action” - Annelies Duerinckx, Scivil
10h45-11h: Coffee break
11h-11h15: Presentation of 2 case studies: “Lichens GO: engaging citizens in monitoring urban air quality through lichen observation” - Yannick Agnan, UCLouvain, and “Tracking natural hazard disasters in non-surveyed regions: the Kivu Citizen Observer network (DR Congo)” - Caroline Michellier, UCLouvain, AfricaMuseum
11h15-12h30: Open discussion
12h30-13h30: Lunch
Earth and Life Institute, Place Croix du Sud 2, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve
Ocean room (B.002), de Serres building
You can also follow the seminar online, with this Teams link.
The whole day will be conducted in English.
Open to all.
Participation is free, but registration is required.
Registration deadline : June 4th
Please register by clicking here.
Abstract of Muki Haklay’s presentation : "Environmental information and decision making - from experts only to a transdisciplinary perspective"
Over the past 50 years, environmental information has been central to decision making. Therefore, the question of who produces it and how it is used is critical - though frequently ignored. In this talk, we will look at the gradual development of who is producing information and allowed to have a voice during discussion. We will see the increasing environmental decision making, especially in the context of current environmental crises, requires a different approach. In particular, we will look at the post-normal science framework and how knowledge production by the public (known as citizen science) plays an increasing role. The framework is particularly suitable for transdisciplinary contexts.
Abstract of Annelies Duerinckx’s presentation: "Valuing what citizens know: embracing diverse perspectives for climate and environmental action"
In the face of complex climate and environmental challenges, no single type of knowledge is sufficient. This presentation explores how citizen science initiatives in Belgium enable the integration of scientific with local and experiential knowledge. By highlighting concrete examples — from gardens and streets to sensors and community initiatives — the value of citizen knowledge is highlighted. Through concrete examples and practical tips, the presentation highlights how scientists and citizens can build impactful collaborations.
Photo credit: © Irena Cima Photography NZ