MIGRANTS' CITIZEN SCIENCE ASSOCIATION

Everyone belongs

What We're Committed To?

The Migrants’ Citizen Science Association (MCSA) is committed to increasing the participation of migrants in science, society, and policy through citizen science. We believe that migrants have knowledge, experiences, skills, and perspectives that can contribute to research and to a better understanding of the challenges affecting our communities.

We promote inclusive and participatory approaches to research, where migrants and other communities are given opportunities to contribute to scientific projects and the production of knowledge. We recognise the value of experience-based, collective, evidence-based, and nature-based knowledge, particularly when addressing complex social and environmental issues.

MCSA is committed to making science accessible, understandable, and relevant to diverse communities. We support clear and adaptive communication between researchers, communities, organisations, and policymakers, helping to create stronger connections between scientific knowledge and people’s everyday experiences.

We recognise that science can sometimes appear distant or difficult to enter, particularly for people who have had limited access to higher education or scientific environments. Citizen science can help reduce these barriers by creating opportunities for people to take part in research, share their knowledge, and contribute to questions that affect their lives and communities.

Our work is guided by empowerment, diversity and inclusion, integration, empathy, respect, fairness, and sustainability. We are particularly interested in approaches that recognise the different experiences and circumstances of migrant communities and support their participation in knowledge production.

We are also committed to examining bias and exclusion in science and technology. This includes asking whose knowledge is represented, whose perspectives are missing, and who has opportunities to participate in shaping research and technological development.

Through collaboration with communities, researchers, institutions, policymakers, and other stakeholders, MCSA works towards more inclusive, equitable, and socially responsive science. We see citizen science as an opportunity to bring different forms of knowledge and experience together and to strengthen the relationship between science, society, and policy.

M C S A A c t i v i t i e s

MCSA Book Club

Workshops, Lectures, & Trainings

Public Awareness Campaign

Research & Development

The Migrants' Citizen Science Association (MCSA) offers a range of activities specifically tailored to migrants, prioritizing their participation in citizen science and providing them with opportunities to develop skills, confidence, and knowledge in the field of science. The MCSA activities are designed to empower migrants, foster inclusivity, and create a supportive environment where they can actively engage in scientific research, contribute their perspectives, and gain valuable experiences. Here are some of the activities offered by MCSA:

MCSA Book Club
The MCSA Book Club provides a platform for migrants and community members to come together and explore science-related literature. This avenue allows participants to learn, discuss, and express their insights and ideas with respect, promoting intercultural dialogue and knowledge sharing.
Workshops, Lectures, & Training
MCSA conducts workshops, lectures, and training sessions to equip migrants with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in citizen science projects. These activities cover matters related to research methodologies, data collection techniques, data analysis, scientific literacy, and other related subjects. The workshops and training sessions are designed to build capacity and confidence among migrants, enabling them to be actively involved in the scientific processes.
Public Awareness Campaigns
MCSA organizes public awareness campaigns to promote the importance of migrant participation in citizen science. These campaigns aim to raise awareness among the general public, policymakers, and stakeholders about the valuable contributions migrants can make to scientific research and decision-making processes. Through these campaigns, MCSA advocates for inclusive policies and practices that recognize and value the expertise of migrants in scientific endeavors.
Community-Building
MCSA actively focuses on community building by creating spaces and platforms for migrants to connect, share experiences, and build relationships. These activities may include community events, gatherings, and networking opportunities where migrants can interact with fellow participants, scientists, researchers, and other stakeholders. The community-building initiatives foster a sense of belonging, support, and collaboration among migrants in citizen science.
Collaborations
MCSA fosters collaborations between migrants, scientists, institutions, and other citizen science organizations. These collaborations enable migrants to work alongside experienced researchers, gain mentorship, and contribute to collaborative research projects. By partnering with diverse stakeholders, MCSA provides opportunities for migrants to engage in meaningful scientific collaborations, fostering cross-cultural exchange and learning.
Exposure Trips
MCSA organizes exposure trips to various scientific and research facilities, ecological sites, or communities where migrants can witness scientific practices firsthand. These trips provide migrants with practical exposure to different scientific disciplines, methodologies, and applications. Through these experiences, migrants can gain a deeper understanding of scientific research and its relevance to society.
Webinars and Podcasts
MCSA utilizes webinars and podcasts to disseminate knowledge, share experiences, and provide learning opportunities for migrants. These digital platforms allow migrants to access educational content, expert interviews, and discussions related to citizen science and scientific research. Webinars and podcasts provide a convenient and accessible medium for migrants to enhance their understanding and engagement with science.
Research and Development
MCSA supports migrants in undertaking research and development activities. This can include guiding migrants in formulating research questions, designing studies, collecting data, and analyzing findings. By actively involving migrants in the research process, MCSA enables them to contribute to scientific knowledge and gain hands-on experience in research methodologies.

Through these activities, the MCSA aims to empower migrants by equipping them with scientific knowledge, skills, and confidence. By prioritizing migrants in citizen science activities, MCSA creates an inclusive and diverse scientific community that recognizes and values the unique perspectives and expertise that migrants bring to scientific research and decision-making processes.