Citizen and Professional Scientists as Partners in the Scientific Endeavor

Several models of involving citizen scientists in the scientific process have been described (Cooper et al. 2007, Bonney et al. 2009), ranging from contributing data to playing a role in nearly all aspects of the scientific process. An alternative form of engagement between scientists and non-scientists is one where non-scientists collect observations of natural phenomena independently, with or without a particular question in mind, and then make these data available to others for analysis and interpretation. Data sets of this sort have proven priceless in documenting environmental change in a variety of settings have the potential to greatly enhance information collected through formal citizen science programs and research efforts. However, rather than a handoff of data from collector to analyst, the relationship may function best as a partnership between data collector and data user. Independent data collectors can offer a wealth of ecosystem knowledge valuable in analysis and interpretation. Moreover, their unique and potentially rich data sets may provide keys to answering questions that could not be addressed through traditional short-term research studies or even longer-term organized efforts. Independent efforts, taking place outside of formal citizen science or research programs, are typically self-funded and therefore deserve proper respect and credit. Individuals collecting data may wish to share their data to see them be used to support research and decision making, but may wish to retain some level of ownership or control over them. This may include acknowledgement in publications, involvement in analysis or interpretation, or authorship on publications including the data. One of the long-term goals of the USA National Phenology Network (USA-NPN) is to host, archive, and make available phenology data sets collected outside of standard USA-NPN protocols. However, issues related to proper data attribution and involving data collectors in analysis and interpretation where it is desired need to be carefully considered. The purpose of this presentation will be to bring some of the potential issues of using these data to light, and to begin a discussion on suitable data sharing principles for large programs such as the USA National Phenology Network. Lessons learned have application to a wide range of citizen science and public participation projects.