INCREASE Project Highlighted at the Portuguese Citizen Science Conference

Prof. Roberto Papa, Coordinator of the INCREASE Project, was honored to serve as a keynote speaker at the National Citizen Science Meeting, organized by the Portuguese Citizen Science Association. The two-day event, held on 13-14 November 2025 in Oeiras, brought together researchers, practitioners, and community leaders to discuss the power of open science and citizen participation in shaping the future of research.

During his keynote presentation, Roberto Papa introduced the INCREASE Citizen Science Experiment, a pioneering initiative that empowers citizens across Europe to participate in research on plant genetic diversity. The project has gained international recognition, receiving the Grand Prize for Citizen Science from the European Union in 2024.

“Attending the entire conference provided an exceptional opportunity to engage in valuable exchanges, explore new collaborations, and appreciate the dedication and innovative capacity of Portuguese colleagues in citizen science,” said Roberto Papa. The meeting provided a vibrant platform for sharing experiences, discussing methodologies, and reflecting on how citizen engagement can enhance the inclusiveness, transparency, and impact of scientific research. It reaffirmed the value of collaboration between researchers and citizens, underscoring open science as a cornerstone for a more participatory and sustainable future of knowledge creation.

The INCREASE Citizen Science Experiment remains open for registration through the “INCREASE CSA” app to all interested EU citizens.

For more information about the Portuguese Citizen Science Conference, visit the official website.