How can citizen science reduce psychological distance to science? Insights from three projects in contested environmental contexts
Abstract
Citizen science (CS) is often seen as a way to bridge science and society. This paper examines how that potential unfolds by analyzing contested environmental CS cases through the lens of Psychological Distance to Science (PSYDISC). Drawing on three case studies, we identify which contextual aspects of CS shape citizen scientists’ experiences of social, spatial, temporal, or hypothetical distance to relevant science – and how these experiences sometimes relate to trust. While CS-specific research aspects often foster proximity and trust, concerns around power, marginalization, and injustice continue to create distance. Reflexive, context-sensitive engagement can support proximity and socially robust knowledge production.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Species Distribution and Climate Change
Animal and Plant Science Education
Climate Change Communication and Perception
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Science Communication
- Publisher
- Sissa Medialab Srl
- Volume
- 25
- Issue
- 6
- Publication date
- 12 August 2026
- Language
- EN