
News
IMPETUS PROJECT
Citizen science innovation, a major player of the future
Led by Zabala Innovation, the IMPETUS project will organise three calls for proposals, create an accelerator for funded projects and launch a European award
Impetus
The programme will fund initiatives with up to €60,000 and closes on 13 March 2025
The third call for proposals of the European project Impetus, coordinated by Zabala Innovation, is now open and offers a new opportunity for citizen science projects across Europe to take root and grow. With a budget that includes prizes of up to €60,000, the programme aims to identify and support innovative initiatives that use citizen science practices to address urgent societal challenges. Proposals can be submitted until 10 March 2025 for the European Union Citizen Science Prize, and until 13 March 2025 for the Impetus Accelerator programme.
“This programme not only provides funding but also tools and training to help projects advance in their implementation,” explains Sara San Martín, a consultant at Zabala Innovation. “Together with our partners in the Impetus project (Science for Change, T6 Ecosystems, SE, Ars Electronica, Nesta, and King’s College London), we want to highlight the transformative role of citizen science, which is public participation in collaborative scientific research. That’s why this call offers key resources such as mentoring and access to strategic networks, which are essential for consolidating these initiatives,” she adds.
On one hand, the Impetus Accelerator programme is designed to support projects in their early stages or in development that aim to foster circular communities, a fairer society, or disaster resilience. Priority topics include resource management, infrastructure, social inclusion, public trust, and democracy. Selected proposals in this category will receive financial support, specialised training sessions, and individual mentoring to strengthen their implementation models.
On the other hand, the European Union Citizen Science Prize focuses on outstanding projects that have already demonstrated significant impact within their communities. This award offers a Grand Prize of €60,000, along with two additional prizes of €20,000 each for projects that excel in diversity and collaboration, and in digital communities. Additionally, 27 honourable mentions will be awarded to other notable initiatives, which will be showcased at the Ars Electronica Festival 2025 in Linz (Austria), from 3 to 7 September.
The Impetus project, funded by the European Union, aims to promote citizen science at all levels, both through funding and visibility. This dual approach ensures that initiatives not only have the resources needed to move forward but are also recognised for their relevance in solving societal problems.
One of the key attractions of this call is the flexibility in the thematic focus of projects, as long as they address specific challenges and are based on citizen participation. As San Martín points out, “The true value of citizen science lies in its ability to involve local communities in solving problems that directly affect their environment. This direct connection generates more sustainable solutions, tailored to real needs.” Participation in either of the two strands requires projects to have a solid foundation of collaboration between citizens and experts, as well as a practical and well-defined approach to achieving their goals.
For those interested in learning more about the programme or resolving questions, Impetus will organise two explanatory webinars on 22 January and 19 February 2025. During these sessions, organisers will answer questions and provide details on the requirements and benefits of participating in the call.
The results of previous editions of Impetus have demonstrated the positive impact of these initiatives. From projects focused on natural resource management to digital platforms promoting social inclusion, beneficiaries have achieved significant progress thanks to the support received. In this regard, “The success of Impetus lies in its ability to act as a bridge between citizens, the scientific community, and policymakers,” asserts San Martín.
The current call promises to build on this trend. At the end of the process, the selected projects will be showcased at the aforementioned Ars Electronica Festival, a key platform for exchanging ideas and promoting cutting-edge scientific and technological initiatives.
“Citizen science represents one of the most promising tools to tackle contemporary challenges,” emphasises San Martín, who concludes: “With the opening of its third call for proposals, Impetus reaffirms its commitment to driving this participatory approach, equipping the selected projects with the tools they need to maximise their impact.”
News
IMPETUS PROJECT
Led by Zabala Innovation, the IMPETUS project will organise three calls for proposals, create an accelerator for funded projects and launch a European award
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Governance
Marina Coloma
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