Into 2026 with Bean Power: INCREASE Community Expands as We Send Heartfelt Holiday Greetings!

The INCREASE Citizen Science Experiment is heading into the new year with great momentum: 230 citizens from 12 European countries have already registered for the 6th round and registration remains open until 28 February 2026. The steady growth of our community, comprising 25,000 participants over the previous rounds, highlights the increasing enthusiasm for citizen-driven agrobiodiversity research across Europe.

Next year’s participants already include 15 schools from 6 European countries, showing a wonderful rise in educational involvement. By engaging students in hands-on cultivation and observation, the experiment continues to inspire young minds and promote awareness of plant diversity.

We are especially delighted to welcome back 132 returning participants, who together contribute 284 bean varieties to the upcoming seed exchange. Their dedication enriches the collective knowledge of the project and supports long-term monitoring and conservation efforts.

As we look ahead to another exciting season, the INCREASE team extends heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved. Thanks for growing with us!

With registration still open, the INCREASE team warmly invites new participants – individuals, families, schools and community groups – to join the experiment. The collective effort of past and future participants will once again contribute to a rich season of learning, cultivation and biodiversity conservation.

With the holiday season approaching, we warmly wish all our partners, citizen scientists, stakeholders and supporters happy holidays and a wonderful start to the new year.
May 2026 be as diverse, collaborative and bean-spiring as our INCREASE community!