Ms Lucy Robinson

I lead the Museum's Citizen Science Programme - a suite of research projects where Museum scientists collaborate with members of the public to address pressing scientific questions.

Citizen science is the involvement of volunteers in scientific projects that contribute to expanding our knowledge of the natural world, through the systematic collection, analysis or interpretation of environmental observations. Anyone can take part in our citizen science projects and there are a wide variety to suit any interest, from collecting samples of microorganisms for DNA analysis to reporting stranded whales and dolphins or recording observations of bluebells, orchids, seaweeds or invertebrates. You can find out more about our projects in the Take Part section of the website.

I lead a team based in the Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity who deliver an innovative programme of citizen science projects, and work with our researchers, curators and public engagement staff to develop exciting new projects that support the Museum's scientific research. A key element of the Citizen Science Programme is to support other citizen science practitioners to develop their own projects. To this end I produce knowledge exchange guides and publications to support others in the field of citizen science, and I represent the Museum at national and international citizen science conferences.

Understanding the impact of participating in citizen science, for all involved, is a key element of our programme. I lead an international research collaboration between educational researchers and citizen science practitioners, called LEARN CitSci (the Learning and Environmental Science Agency research network for Citizen Science). This partnership studies the learning processes and development of roles and agency in science for young people (aged 5-19 years) who take part in our projects.

I served as Vice Executive Chair of the European Citizen Science Association from 2018-19, leading a Europe-wide network devoted to supporting the growth of the citizen science movement across Europe. I also represented the UK on the management Committee of the European Commission COST Action CA15212: Citizen science to promote creativity, scientific literacy and innovation throughout Europe from 2016-20, and am also a member of the British Ecological Society Special Interest Group for citizen science, and the global Citizen Science Association.