Public Participation in Research: A Workshop Series for 2025 MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship Applicants

by Communication Team

 

Bridging Science and Society: Integrating Citizen Science into Research Proposals


In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on integrating public participation into research. Funding bodies and policymakers are recognising the value of citizen participation in scientific projects. Citizen Science is not just an add-on. It is a powerful approach that enriches research, fosters public trust and enhances societal impact.

However, knowing how, when and where to engage the public in your research can be challenging. We believe that public engagement and participation should not be an afterthought but an integral part of your research-planning journey and proposal-writing process. The sooner you consider it, the stronger and more impactful your proposal will be.

To support you in this journey, we invite you to join our exclusive workshop series designed to help the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 applicants effectively integrate Citizen Science into their research proposals. Over three months, you will receive expert guidance from mentors and reviewers who have successfully navigated the MSCA application process and have extensive experience in Citizen Science.
 

Workshop Structure & Dates

This hands-on workshop series will provide structured support through a mix of expert talks, peer discussions, and mentoring sessions. The workshops are scheduled as follows:

Workshop 1: Thinking Like a Reviewer
May 9 | Friday | 14:00 - 16:00 CEST

  • Understanding the MSCA evaluation process
  • How to structure a strong proposal
  • Insights from past MSCA fellows: Dos & Don’ts
     

Workshop 2: Integrating Citizen Science into Your Research
June 27 | Friday | 14:00 - 16:00 CEST

  • How and where Citizen Science can add value to your research
  • Identifying relevant research questions for participatory engagement
  • Case studies of successful Citizen Science integration
     

Workshop 3: Strengthening Your Proposal
July 4 | Friday | 14:00 - 16:00 CEST

  • Practical strategies for writing the Citizen Science section
  • Refining research objectives and methodology
  • Condensing key ideas into a compelling, concise format
     

Workshop 4: Focused Mentoring & Peer Review
July 15 | Tuesday | 14:00 - 16:00 CEST

  • Small-group mentoring (1 mentor per 5 participants)
  • Peer feedback on draft proposals
  • Final refinements before submission
     

Who can apply?


Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a PhD degree

  • Plan to apply for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2025 (read more here)

  • Intend to incorporate Citizen Science or participatory research in their proposal

  • Seek practical guidance on integrating public participation into their MSCA application

Selection process:

Applications will be evaluated based on completeness and alignment with the workshop's objectives. Specifically, we will assess whether:

  • The application is fully completed
  • The applicant meets all the eligibility criteria stated above
  • Their MSCA postdoctoral research proposal demonstrates a clear potential for integrating Citizen Science or participatory research.
     

Managing expectations


This workshop series is designed to support researchers who already have a clear research concept and are looking to enhance their proposal with Citizen Science. While our mentors will provide valuable guidance, feedback and structured support, they will not write proposals on behalf of participants. This programme is intended to help researchers refine their own ideas, ensuring their proposals are compelling, well-structured and aligned with MSCA requirements.

To get the most out of these sessions, participants should have a research concept (including introduction, background, research question, objectives, and methodology) and a basic understanding of Citizen Science. If you are new to this approach here is a free course that offers an introduction to citizen science.
 

Workshop format & registration details
 

  • Limited to 25 participants (5 participants per mentor)

  • Duration: 3 months, with a total of 4-5 hours of guided learning

  • Fee: €5 per workshop (to ensure commitment and maintain quality)

Further details on the payment process will be shared with selected participants after the application review.

  • Application Deadline: April 27, 2025 (Sunday, 15:00 CEST)

  • Evaluation Period: April 28 – May 2, 2025

  • Acceptance Notifications: May 5, 2025 (Monday)

Apply here: https://forms.gle/qTzA6wzTunD4nprU7
 

Contact information


For any questions, please reach out to:

Clea Montanari, (she/her) | Project Manager, Université Paris Cité & Learning Planet Institute | clea.montanari@learningplanetinstitute.org 
Pooja Khurana, (she/her) | Project Officer for ECS & Community Manager, MCAA | ecs@mariecuriealumni.eu
 

Organisers & funding


This initiative is a collaboration between the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) and Université Paris Cité/Learning Planet Institute, as part of the European Citizen Science Academy under the European Citizen Science (ECS) project, funded by the European Union. This workshop series is designed for early career researchers who are interested in applying for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 and seeking guidance on integrating Citizen Science into their research proposals. 

The views expressed in this series are those of the organisers and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. The EU and the granting authority are not responsible for any content or actions associated with this workshop series.

We look forward to supporting you in strengthening your MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship application! 

 

REGISTER