The Collaborative Research Open Workspace for Networked data (CROWN) centralizes existing and emerging datasets on citizen collectives and integrates data from current and future dual-purpose tools to create richer, reusable datasets. By reducing redundant data collection and embracing FAIR and open science principles, CROWN removes barriers to citizen science and provides an open-source blueprint for tracking citizen science projects across multiple fields.

CROWN is an extension of the knowledge exchange platform CollectieveKracht.eu. CollectieveKracht uses an extreme citizen science approach to empower Dutch citizen collectives with evidence-based knowledge. By co-developing dual-purpose tools, the initiative generates scientifically rigorous data while delivering tangible, customized insights to participating collectives. Growing demand for tailor-made knowledge from citizen collectives, combined with increasing research interest from scientists, calls for a more scalable and high-performing software solution to expand this approach.

The CROWN project develops this infrastructure. Through CROWN, scientists and citizens co-create datasets while benefiting from both scientific and practical insights. Citizen collectives retain ownership of their data and are supported with accessible, customized outputs that address their organizational challenges. This fosters a new, more balanced relationship between science and citizens and strengthens trust through meaningful participation and tangible outcomes.

CROWN’s primary impact is a significantly improved knowledge base on citizen collectives in the Netherlands. This benefits scientists, practitioners, and policymakers by enabling better analysis, more accurate monitoring of sector developments, and deeper understanding of the societal role of citizen collectives. At the same time, citizen collectives benefit directly from scalable access to evidence-based insights, improving decision-making and accelerating their development.

Beyond this domain, CROWN serves as a reusable model for other fields seeking to involve citizens in research. Its focus on scalable data infrastructure and strengthened data layers makes it applicable across disciplines, and the applicant is already in discussion with initiatives in medical science and social media research.

Find out more about CROWN on the project website.

Project overview