The 2026 Citizen Science Winter School, hosted by the CHARM‑EU Alliance at the University of Barcelona, has opened its application window to doctoral candidates from Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE). If your PhD thesis incorporates a citizen‑science element and you are looking to deepen your methodological toolkit, this program offers a rare chance to gain hands‑on experience, engage with specialists, and network with peers from across Europe.
Why Citizen Science is a Strategic Skill for Early‑Career Researchers
Citizen science—research that directly involves volunteers or community members—has become a crucial complement to traditional data collection. It expands sample sizes, brings new perspectives, and enhances the societal relevance of studies. For PhD students, mastering participatory methods means:
- Accessing richer datasets that cover larger geographic or temporal scales.
- Learning ethical and inclusive research practices.
- Building collaborations that can translate findings into real‑world impact.
- Developing communication skills that are increasingly required for grant proposals and publication outreach.
CRU delivers a one‑stop resource for those ready to turn these benefits into concrete research outcomes.
Program Overview – What the Winter School Covers
The three‑day face‑to‑face workshop is supplemented by an online orientation on 23 January. The curriculum is divided into practical modules:
- Foundations of Participatory Design: An introduction to co‑creation, stakeholder mapping, and community engagement strategies.
- Data Acquisition & Management: Hands‑on sessions on designing mobile apps, setting up a cloud repository, and ensuring data integrity.
- Ethics, Governance & Liability: Guidance on GDPR, informed consent, and managing potential conflicts.
- Analysis & Storytelling: Workshops on GIS integration, visual analytics, and how to translate citizen‑produced data into publishable insights.
- Mentoring & Peer Review: One‑on‑one feedback with experienced citizen‑science researchers and opportunities to pitch project proposals.
Eligibility and Application Process
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a current PhD student at Eötvös Loránd University.
- Have an approved research proposal that includes a citizen‑science component.
- Achieve at least a C1 level of English or its equivalent.
Selection Procedure
ELTE will shortlist three candidates for the training. These students will join peers from partner universities for a collaborative experience.
Key Dates
- 24 Nov 2025 – Free online orientation for anyone interested in citizen science.
- 8 Dec 2025 – Application deadline.
- 15 Dec 2025 – Notification of selection.
- 23 Jan 2026 – Online orientation for selected participants.
- 4–6 Feb 2026 – In‑person training in Barcelona.
How to Apply
- Read the full program details to ensure alignment with your project.
- Prepare a short statement (≈250 words) outlining how the training will benefit your thesis.
- Fill out the online application form at this link and upload required documents by 8 Dec 2025.
- Contact charm‑[email protected] for clarification.
Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Application
- Document preliminary engagement activities—e.g., community meetings, data collection with volunteers, or pilot surveys.
- Highlight any prior collaborations with citizen‑science platforms( e.g., iNaturalist, OpenStreetMap). Use concrete metrics such as number of participants or data points.
- Show how you plan to process and validate the citizen data, referencing relevant methods listed in the program syllabus.
- Ensure your English proficiency letter is up to date and meets the C1 benchmark.
Financial and Logistical Support
ELTE will cover travel and accommodation for the selected participants. If you are an international student or require additional funding, consult the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship and Erasmus+ mobility options available through the university.
What to Expect After the Training
Armed with new methodologies, you will be positioned to:
- Publish high‑impact papers that emphasize community‑driven data.
- Secure funding that prioritizes public engagement.
- Continue to grow a collaborative network across European research institutions.
- Develop future citizen‑science projects for subsequent grants or PhD extensions.
Next Steps for Interested PhD Students
Ready to elevate your research and engage directly with communities? Don’t miss the chance to join this focused training.
1️⃣ Begin your application now and submit all required documents by 8 Dec 2025.
2️⃣ Explore the full program details to see if the content aligns with your research objectives.
3️⃣ Request additional information if you need guidance on the nomination process or funding support.
4️⃣ Submit your PhD thesis proposal through the ELTE portal and keep an eye on updates regarding the Citizen Science training.
By participating in the CHARM‑EU Winter School, you will gain a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and hands‑on expertise—critical for a successful research career that bridges academia and society.
Apply today, and secure a place at the forefront of citizen‑science innovation.
