Science beyond the ivory tower: participative dynamics and new challenges for the dialogue between citizens and scientists in Italy

Citizen participation in scientific and technological research processes is now recognised as a key tool for promoting individual empowerment and democratic inclusion, as well as for collectively addressing major techno-scientific controversies and challenges. In this context, a new paradigm is emerging that supersedes the conventional one-way communication approach, which was previously focused exclusively on the dissemination of information, in favour of more inclusive and participatory practices. This paradigm constitutes a form of Citizen Science, a term that has undergone considerable expansion in recent years. Indeed, this development has profoundly redefined the manner in which scientific knowledge is produced, shared and interpreted. The involvement of citizens in the various stages of research – from data collection to analysis and the definition of the research questions themselves – allows for a collaborative approach that makes citizens and scientists co-producers of knowledge. This model facilitates enhanced comprehension of intricate phenomena and the development of collective solutions, thereby signifying a substantial advancement towards a more transparent and inclusive scientific paradigm. The present paper analyses the phenomenon of Citizen Science in the Italian context, exploring the motivations behind public participation and the contribution that such involvement can offer to the interaction between science and society. This study utilised a mixed methods empirical investigation, integrating a preliminary qualitative phase and a subsequent quantitative analysis, to elucidate the primary innovations and critical issues of Citizen Science. The investigation emphasised the strategic role of citizen science in improving scientific communication, as well as its ability to stimulate a new phase of collaborative, socially relevant scientific research.