Australia's First Citizen Science Lab

* This page acts as template for the Port Phillip EcoCentre to be used for promotional purposes on their website *

In 2023, the Port Phillip EcoCentre will launch Australia’s first purpose-built Citizen Science Lab to expand network of expertise, action and scientific storytelling. The flexible new space will expand our collaboration with community, research institutes and nature management partners including access to volunteers, knowledge and specialised scientific equipment.

Citizen science empowers community data collection to help scientists solve big questions about the natural world. Every year the EcoCentre partners with hundreds of groups and individuals to help map, monitor and understand local ecosystems and the threats they face across Greater Melbourne

Biologist Fam Charko testing a portable sampling device at Darebin Creek

Elwood Scouts profiling the beach with a water level to measure changes to the sand

University and community volunteers sort, categrise & measure microplastics from river trawl samples

Fieldwork, lab work, data analysis and sharing discoveries are tasks that require training space, tools, digital platforms and people power. The EcoCentre Citizen Science Lab will provide this shared hub. With room to grow volunteer enrollment, the Lab triples the EcoCentre’s capacity to coordinate citizen scientists for our partners like EPA Victoria, RMIT University, councils and the Victorian Government.

“The EcoCentre plays a critical role in building effective and lasting citizen science. Community-based organisations can improve the relevance of data collected by volunteers, provide a space for learning and interaction, and also improve the stability of the project.”

Dr Pat Bonney, Federation University

Equip Community Teams for New Projects from 2023

The lab space accelerates EcoCentre’s leadership and support of collaborative citizen science initiatives. New community equipment will enable expanded projects, higher-quality educational experiences, and more effective collaboration partners near and far. In-house analysis speed ups converting data into knowledge, action and impacts. Livestreamed workshops, trainings and demonstrations will give confidence to citizen science data submitters and build joint projects and peer-learning around the world.

Fridge Freezer Combo

Dissection Kits

Desktop Computers

Field Use IPads

GPS

Microscopes

Drying Racks

Streaming Equipment

Research Databases

Glassware

Cleaning Equipment

Shared Storage

Get involved with Australia's First Citizen Science Lab

1. Fit out the lab equipment

Microplastics volunteers holding manta trawl nets

Schedule a discussion with Executive Officer April Seymore to learn more about the lab design and equipment list.

2. Collaborate on new projects

Port Phillip Baykeeper Neil Blake and Werribee Riverkeeper John Forrester

Working on citizen science design or delivery? Could community data help answer your questions about the natural world or pollutants? Email our Impact Team Leader Michelle Fisher to discuss collaboration potential.

3. Join our expanding partner network to co-design the lab

EcoCentre's Environmental Engineer Reiko removing pest seastars with volunteer Chenxin

To date we have worked with 22 organisations around the globe planning for a flexible Citizen Science Lab space to inspire, empower and problem-solve for citizen scientists and researchers. Reach out to our Impact Team Leader Michelle Fisher to share your ideas or discuss getting involved.

Thank you to our advisors and contributors

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