ACCELERATOR
Bringing together Research and Practice – the ACTION Accelerator
How can we help citizen science projects become more participatory, rigorous and inclusive? The ACTION Accelerator replied to this challenge with an intensive support programme, providing citizen science pilot projects access to expertise and training in engagement, data science, inclusion and participation. All pilot projects became part of a network of practice in participatory research, were provided with bespoke consultancy and participated in peer-to-peer learning, supported throughout by a mentor.
The ACTION Accelerator methodology was developed through working closely with ACTION’s citizen science pilots, allowing us to refine and promote the adoption of best practice in participatory research.
With our focus on pilot projects related to pollution, the ACTION Accelerator supported pilot projects addressing some of the most pressing challenges of Citizen Science today.
ACTION supported 6 case studies and 10 citizen science pilot projects recruited through an open call, over two rounds of the Accelerator. To find out more about our pilots take a look at our citizen science pilots page. More information about the Accelerator method:
“As our first citizen science project, we couldn’t be happier with the professional, precise and open support and constructive discussions we had throughout the accelerator with our fantastic mentoring team, and how that translated into a stronger project”.
Accelerator participant, 2020
Bringing together Research and Practice – the ACTION Accelerator
How can we help citizen science projects become more participatory, rigorous and inclusive? The ACTION Accelerator replied to this challenge with an intensive support programme, providing citizen science pilot projects access to expertise and training in engagement, data science, inclusion and participation. All pilots were supported by a mentor. In addition they became part of a network of practice in participatory research, were provided with bespoke consultancy and participated in peer-to-peer learning.
The ACTION Accelerator methodology was developed in response to working closely with ACTION’s citizen science pilots, both those recruited through an open call, and with case study projects who have been with us from the beginning. We refined and promoted the adoption of best practice in participatory research.
With our focus on pilot projects related to pollution, the ACTION Accelerator has been researching how best to support pilot projects addressing some of the most pressing challenges of Citizen Science today.
ACTION supported 6 case studies and 10 citizen science pilot projects recruited through an open call, over two rounds of the Accelerator. To find out more about our pilots take a look at our citizen science pilots page. More information about the Accelerator method:
“As our first citizen science project, we couldn’t be happier with the professional, precise and open support and constructive discussions we had throughout the accelerator with our fantastic mentoring team, and how that translated into a stronger project”.
Accelerator participant, 2020
How it works
Citizen science pilot projects apply for participating in the six-month Accelerator period. It includes the following steps.
STEP 1
Open Call
Apply to be part of the Accelerator
The ACTION project has run two Open Calls, recruiting 10 projects to join the Accelerator programme in two cohorts. Each successful pilot project receives intensive and bespoke support from the consortium plus €20,000 over a period of 6 months.
STEP 2
Selection Process
Review and Interview
Applications were reviewed. The review panels shortlisted applications for a remote interview.
STEP 3
Mentor Assignment
First Steps with ACTION Accelerator
Mentors from the ACTION consortium were assigned to incoming pilots based on the information supplied in the pilots’ applications.
STEP 4
Needs Assessment
In-depth Assessment
During the negotiations phase, the pilots begin to elaborate their project plan and work closely with their mentor to assess their needs and how ACTION can support them over the 6 month period.
STEP 5
Kick-off Workshop
Intensive training and Networking
During the negotiations phase, the Accelerator held a Kick-off Workshop. In Round 2, this was held online in January 201 due to the COVID pandemic. The workshop programme delivers intensive training from experts in relevant areas, and is tailored to the needs of the incoming pilots, and is also a great opportunity to meet the other citizen science pilots working with ACTION. The Workshop Report from Round 1 gives more information on the first Kick-Off Meeting, which was held at FVB-IGB in Berlin, Germany, in February 2020.
STEP 6
Bespoke Support
Developed for each Pilot
Once a concrete plan is made, the pilots join the ACTION Accelerator for 6 months and are provided with bespoke support from the ACTION consortium, mediated by their mentor, at all stages of the pilots’ development. The support includes, for example, consulting on community data management, evaluation and sustainability.
STEP 7
Webinar Programme
Online training and sharing
The Accelerator runs a webinar programme developed in response to the pilots’ needs, which address common challenges for citizen science projects, such as recruitment and maintenance of a community, data visualisation and stakeholder engagement. The webinars also give an opportunity for pilots to share their experiences as part of the ACTION citizen science network. Webinar recordings are published on this page.
STEP 8
Regular Meetings
Keeping in touch
Pilot projects have regular communication with their mentors, approximately once a month, usually remotely, in which they discuss the pilots’ progress, future plans and interaction with the ACTION consortium.
STEP 9
Diversity and Inclusion Calls
Learning together
Regular Diversity and Inclusion calls allow the pilots to share experiences related to including more diverse stakeholders, managing communities and making projects accessible.
STEP 10
Final Review
Getting feedback and plan the future
In the Final Review, pilots leads present their work over the Accelerator period to a panel, chaired by their mentor. The successful completion of the Final Review is a requirement for graduating from the ACTION Accelerator.
People of the ACTION Accelerator
The ACTION Accelerator was led by Kat Austen.
Mentors – members of the ACTION consortium who accompanied the citizen science pilots
Ilaria Baroni, Rafael Gonzalez Fuentetaja, Esteban González Guardia, Sonja Grossberndt,
Roy van Grunsven, Neal Reeves, Elena Simperl, Gefion Thuermer
People of the ACTION Accelerator
The ACTION Accelerator was led
by Kat Austen.
Mentors – members of the ACTION consortium who accompanied the citizen science pilots
Ilaria Baroni, Rafael Gonzalez Fuentetaja, Esteban González Guardia, Sonja Grossberndt,
Roy van Grunsven, Neal Reeves, Elena Simperl, Gefion Thuermer