Citizen science, the active involvement of amateur scientists in conducting research, has been a game-changing approach in
biotechnology. This presentation examines how citizen action can contribute to innovation in biotechnology, encompassing data collection, experimental collaboration, and open-source initiatives. Through the collective knowledge and passion of the people, biotechnology is extended to new ideas, diverse data sets, and additional problem-solving pathways.
Through a series of case studies, we highlight the impact of citizen science in synthetic biology, environmental monitoring, and agri-biotechnology.

We also address the challenges inherent in public-driven research efforts, such as ensuring the quality of data. The role of facilitator, enabled by community labs and online platforms, is highlighted as a key enabler, uniting scientists and citizens in collaborative efforts. Such a confluence of professional research in the traditional sense and societal need democratizes science in general and in that case, biotechnology, bridging the research-public needs gap.

Ultimately, this presentation advocates for the strategic integration of citizen science in biotechnology R&D, imbuing transparency, innovation, and responsible scientific citizenship

Stefania Oikonomou, Chara Megagianni, Katerina Zourou ; Web2Learn, Thessaloniki, Greece