VU, UvA, HvA, Amsterdam UMC, Waag, OBA, and the City of Amsterdam join forces to make citizen science more accessible.
The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA), Amsterdam UMC, Waag Futurelab, the Amsterdam Public Library (OBA), and the City of Amsterdam have jointly established the eXtreme Citizen Science Hub Amsterdam. The initiative has received a €400,000 grant from Open Science NL.
The hub provides a platform where researchers, citizens, and societal organizations collaborate on projects that directly address local challenges. Its goal is to make science more inclusive and relevant by actively involving citizens in research and knowledge creation that can be practically applied in the city.
Each participating organization contributes its expertise: VU coordinates the initiative, UvA provides academic knowledge, HvA focuses on education and student participation, Amsterdam UMC contributes medical expertise, Waag Futurelab brings technological innovation, OBA facilitates community engagement, and the City of Amsterdam provides policy and logistical support.
The hub focuses on strengthening citizen participation, increasing access to science, addressing urban challenges, and promoting open science. Amsterdam residents are invited to participate in ongoing and future projects, whether their interests lie in the environment, health, technology, or social issues.