In project “Citizen arenas for improved environmental quality and resource use in SMART-ER cities” a group of ECIU universities will come together with the aim of co creating SMART-ER Citizen Science Pilots to raise citizens' awareness about environmental challenges and alternative resource management options related to water, biodiversity, waste, air, climate and energy.

To do this, the project team will create a “Citizen Arenas” as a platform in which all these alternative options are discussed including citizens' interests, experiences and green community needs. The Citizen Arenas connect citizens and academia with the implementation of pilot projects in which citizens can experience first-hand the benefits of shifting to new patterns of energy use, waste treatment and engage in monitoring water quality, air quality and climate parameters such as urban heat.

The Citizen Arenas act as an amplifier where citizens can explain to other citizens their experience and solve problems and challenges facing the community. Explanations, guidance and help will be supported by the local researchers involved in this proposal.

Researchers are representing Dublin City University (Ireland), Institut Nacional des Sciences Appliquees (France), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain), Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), University of Aveiro (Portugal), and Linköping University (Sweden). All presented their work on their citizen science pilot projects for Water Quality, Air, Biodiversity, Energy, Water and Food Waste so far and what they plan to do ahead over the forthcoming months.