“ RRI Explained - Engaging research with Citizen Science” a ResBios Podcast
We were delighted to have Nicola Quadri, a colleague from our partner organisation Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (UniSR) introducing the TIME4CS project in a recent podcast created by ResBios titled “RRI Explained - Engaging research with Citizen Science”.
During the podcast, Nicola introduced TIME4CS and our main goal, to bring institutional change within the partner organisations of the project and its implementers. He explains the two types of institutions taking part in TIME4CS: The Front Runners (Those with a long history of experience in the field of Citizen Science) and The Implementers (Research institutions and universities with little experience in Citizen Science. As part of this process, Nicolas discusses our goal to develop an infrastructure within institutions so that research communities will have the tools required to start implementing Citizen Science, such as, first and foremost, Explaining Citizen Science, training, as well as support in regulations and technical assets. Later Nicolas discusses the biggest challenges we face in the TIME4CS project, including the engagement of our research community, which is one of the most complex parts of the project. On the one hand, TIME4CS has 100 laboratories carrying out basic research in areas such as oncology, immunology and infectious diseases. On the other hand, there are partners conducting clinical research, which is a broad spectrum in terms of scientific fields and the type of research area. Nicolas explains the challenges of encouraging researchers in the biomedical field to engage with patients and citizens. However, he shares some great examples of how TIME4CS partners have already used I.T. to develop apps that collect data from patients who suffer with diabetes, allowing them to have an input in their treatment, such as diet and activities. Another app was also developed for surgeons to collect data on the quality of life and diet etc. of their patients, monitoring them after medical intervention in order to obtain information on their patients progress. To learn more, tune in to the ResBios podcast and read below for information on this podcast series.
The field of bioscience has had encounters with the harsh reality of the 21st Century. The increased effects of climate change, food security, health and the insecurities following the covid-19 pandemic, are all examples of how biosciences affect us. For this reason, it’s become paramount for scientists and researchers to work alongside citizens of the larger general society to promote positive changes for us and our planet! Through Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), scientists hope to overcome these challenges and inspire change. The new ResBios podcast will host a series of interviews to discover what RRI is exactly. A big thank you to ResBios for inviting TIME4CS to take part in this episode! We look forward to tuning into the ones to come!
The podcast is available to stream on Spotify and YouTube. If you would like to listen to the “RRI Explained” podcast, you can do so by clicking the following link: https://bit.ly/3FQ9aIP.Make sure to share this with anyone in your network involved or interested in the field of Citizen Science!
