Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Citizen science provides individuals the chance to advance medical research without advanced degrees or specialized training. Participants may contribute through online activities, submitting biological samples, or gathering data locally. Citizen scientists can also influence research by sharing their ideas or concerns, applying their unique skills and knowledge, according to Dr. Jennifer Couch, head of NIH's citizen science working group.
Citizen science is also called participatory science, crowdsourcing, or community-engaged research. Some projects target specific age groups, locations, or health conditions, but many are open to the general public. For example, NIH's All of Us Research Program welcomes nearly anyone in the U.S., aiming to create one of the largest, most diverse health databases.
The All of Us program seeks to understand how genetics, culture, and environment affect health outcomes by recruiting at least one million people nationwide. The initiative emphasizes inclusion of populations historically underrepresented in research, such as Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, to ensure all communities are represented, according to Dr. Fornessa T. Randal, executive director for the Asian Health Coalition.
To participate, individuals complete online consent forms and surveys, with the option to share additional data like electronic health records. Participants may also provide biological samples, such as blood or saliva, during appointments. The program allows participants to control how much information they share.