RIVM believes it is important to actively involve citizens in scientific research, because citizen participation results in valuable data and perspectives that would otherwise remain hidden. That is why we support the deployment of citizen science and examine how this provides added value in environmental and safety issues.

More about perception and behaviour

Want to know more about our research possibilities?
Please send an email to onderzoekperceptieengedrag@rivm.nl

Who is it for?

We support society by providing advice on citizen participation, based on scientific insights, to the government (central government, provinces and municipalities), professionals and citizens. To this end, we also share our knowledge. 

What can RIVM do?

RIVM can carry out studies in which we involve citizens. We can also carry out research into how citizen participation can provide added value to your task concerning the environment and safety in the living environment. Based on an expert and advisory role, we can also participate in a research process in which citizens are also actively involved. Here are some research questions we are looking into:

  • What is the added value of citizen participation in a specific setting, and what has demonstrably proven effective and ineffective in a specific approach? See, for example, the ‘Farmers and their Neighbours’ study (in Dutch: Boeren en Buren) (see highlighted).
  • What activities or phases in a study are suitable for citizen participation? For example, drawing up research questions and gathering data together with residents in the initial stage and/or involving them in decision-making in a later stage. 
  • What are the best ways for citizens, scientists and local or central government to collaborate within a specific project or study? 

What is the added value of of citizen participation in research?

Citizen participation can provide added value in various ways. Citizens can contribute to scientific research based on their own knowledge and experiences. This can ensure the right research questions are being asked. This way, the concerns, questions and perspectives of citizens can be addressed more effectively. Furthermore, citizens can also contribute to drawing up a measurement plan or collecting and interpreting data. As a scientist or policymaker, this will give you greater insight into societal issues. Additionally, citizen participation can make the research process clear and transparent, making it clear for everyone how the ultimate research results came about. This can then lead to better research questions in subsequent studies.

Highlighted: citizen participation study ‘Farmers and their Neighbours’

‘Farmers and their Neighbours’ is a project in which farmers and their neighbours in Venray measured air quality together with government authorities. RIVM subsequently investigated whether the joint measuring of air quality had contributed to mutual trust and understanding, as well as trust in the measurements and the associated outcomes. Although the main conclusion was that collaboration does not automatically increase trust, the different groups did gain a better understanding of each other’s interests. A project such as ‘Farmers and their Neighbours’ can also serve as a medium through which various parties can make themselves heard by local or central government on a more equal basis. Lastly, all those involved learn how to ask good research questions and how to understand the ultimate research process. It becomes clear to participants how complex the study is and how difficult it can be to find unambiguous answers to specific research questions. 

For more information, see Farmers and their Neighbours | RIVM.