The sale of electrical and electronic equipment is constantly increasing and accordingly e-waste has already become the fastest growing waste stream in the world. Our society needs to face this challenge without delay, so the Recycling Heroes project aims to raise awareness about e-waste, especially among students but also in society in general, by combining the principles of the circular economy with citizen science methods.

Participation

As citizen scientists, the students develop a comprehensive questionnaire to ask their family or neighbours what electronic products are used for and over what period of time, and what happens to devices that are no longer used. Afterwards, the students analyse the results of the survey and consider what could be done to ensure proper disposal and increase the recycling rate. In addition, the students look into the development of electronic products that can be used in other current citizen science projects. These new products can be developed, for example, as a mesh-up of e-waste parts and new parts - sustainability is the focus here! Subsequently, the developed and tested prototypes will be duplicated in small numbers and distributed to other partner schools in the project. These schools will use the prototypes to collect data on temperature, noise, humidity and particulate matter in the school environment, for example, and then make them available to Citizen Science projects.

Aims

The project aims to strengthen the students' environmental awareness and recycling culture, as well as their understanding of eco-design and development processes. In addition, the students learn to develop suitable survey instruments and to sharpen their scientific thinking with regard to citizen science.

Participate in archaeological field surveys and/or in cleaning, documenting & interpreting archaeological finds.

A transdisciplinary look at the early Neolithic communities in the Schletz settlement cluster

The project aims to explore the surroundings of the famous Neolithic settlement of Asparn/Schletz (Lower Austria). Numerous human remains suggest a violent attack on this site in the Late Linear Pottery Culture, approx. 7.000 years ago. 

Due to its size and earthworks, we assume that Schletz was the central site of a cluster of smaller settlements in surrounding region. By researching these settlements, we hope, among other things, to increase our knowledge on the background of the massacre and on the origin of the people who died in Schletz.

We cordially invite you to work with us as a Citizen Scientist!

In the project, we are searching for Neolithic finds (pottery, stone tools, etc.) at known or suspected sites near Asparn/Schletz together with interested people and collectors. During our surveys, we go over the fields at regular intervals and map the findings that we discover. Later on, we clean them together und create a scientific documentation and evaluation. Here you can find further information on how you can participate as a Citizen Scientist. However, as we have planned a format of intensive cooperation, we have reached the maximum number of Citizen Scientists that can participate in the project. Nevertheless, we can still offer you to join the waiting list for the participation in the project (or possible follow-up projects).

In another part of the project, local middle school students extract and process soil samples from the area of the LPC sites to create an isoscape (= isotope landscape). Through a comparison with Sr isotope ratios of the human remains, this will allow a discussion of whether the people that died in the massacre might have grown up locally or not. 

Project partners & cooperation partners

Picture gallery:

• Zwentendorf, possible early Neolithic site near to the Zaya-river Zwentendorf, possible early Neolithic site near to the Zaya-river
• Victims of a Neolithic massacre were discovered during archaeological excavations in Asparn/Schletz Victims of a Neolithic massacre were discovered during archaeological excavations in Asparn/Schletz
• Together with Citizen Scientists we do systematic “line walking” for the identification of Neolithic sites Together with Citizen Scientists we do systematic “line walking” for the identification of Neolithic sites
• The finds are carefully packed; the find spots are precisely documented with GPS The finds are carefully packed; the find spots are precisely documented with GPS
• Newly discovered, unwashed finds „fresh from the field” Newly discovered, unwashed finds „fresh from the field”
• Early Neolithic stone tools and potsherds from the Zwentendorf-Hofwiese site Early Neolithic stone tools and potsherds from the Zwentendorf-Hofwiese site
• Early Neolithic house (house model in MAMUZ Schloss Asparn/Zaya) Early Neolithic house (house model in MAMUZ Schloss Asparn/Zaya)
• Soil samples are taken by middle school students for the creation of an isotope map Soil samples are taken by middle school students for the creation of an isotope map
• To research the origin of the dead of Schletz, chemical analysis is done on soil samples and human teeth To research the origin of the dead of Schletz, chemical analysis is done on soil samples and human teeth
• The core team of the project with scientists from different disciplines is looking forward to working together! The core team of the project with scientists from different disciplines is looking forward to working together!
•  

The project is funded by:

What is this project about?

How can good people do bad things? How can people act contrary to their moral beliefs without having a bad conscience? White lies, rule bending, finding excuses for our own behaviour, which we would judge others for … To be honest, we have all done stuff like that. Nobody is always 100 % moral - misconduct spans from little untruths to refined fraud, from omission of some facts to crimes. All these things have one thing in common: When performing these actions, the same mechanisms are at work that allow us to ignore our moral compass. At least that is what theories assume. In this project, we examine when, how often, in which contexts and by whom these different mechanisms are applied.

Why is this important? 

Our goal is to check to what extend theory corresponds with reality. How is unmoral behaviour in everyday life justified? What influence do situational differences and relationships between actors have? Which actions are seen as immoral?

How can Citizen Scientists participate?

Your task is to observe your surroundings after a short online information. Who acts immoral? When? What justifications are provided for this behaviour? Not just encounters in everyday life matter, but also media, newspaper reports, narratives, movies, social media etc. can be analysed. For this, short questionnaires will be sent to you during the course of one week.

At a later point in time, Citizen Scientists are invited to analyse the submitted scenarios, to build categories and thereby check to what extent theory and reality correspond. Another aim is to discover new categories and strategies.

Podcast episode

If you would like to learn more, you can listen to the Wissen macht Leute podcast episode about the project (in German).

There is finally a new episode of our podcast Wissen macht Leute (Knowledge Makes People) - this time we present the project "Butterflies of Austria".

You can now watch the video of Scott Edmunds' talk on Citizen Science in Asia on our YouTube channel.

Plastic Pirates - Go Europe! A Citizen Science Initiative to investigate plastic pollution along rivers

The pollution of beaches and riverbanks in Europe with plastic waste does not stop at borders. Preventing micro- and macroplastics in the environment, addressing this challenge scientifically and researching sustainable materials are therefore tasks we need to work on together across Europe.

Plastic Pirates - Go Europe! was first developed in Germany in 2016. Since January 2022, with the support of the EU Commission, the initiative has been extended to the whole of Europe as a European citizen science action in which school classes and youth groups (young people aged 10-16) collect plastic samples from streams and rivers and document their findings. The data collected across Europe is entered into a database and then analysed by scientists. Young people who are interested in science and the environment are given the opportunity to participate in practical research. They make an important contribution to researching the state of European rivers and the extent and pollution caused by plastic waste.
As part of the project, the types of waste identified by the individual groups (e.g. cigarette butts, pieces of foil or packaging) are recorded on a suitable river bank or stream with the help of detailed action materials and subsequently published on a digital map. The data collected by the young people will help science to gradually close existing research gaps on the occurrence, composition and production of plastic waste.

Interested school classes and youth groups are cordially invited to participate in the initiative. All information about the "Plastic Pirates" can be found on our homepage (www.plastic-pirates.eu/at) or can be obtained by sending an email request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Photo Gallery

• Citizen Scientists on their way to the collection Citizen Scientists on their way to the collection
• Group discussion of the collection protocols Group discussion of the collection protocols
• Collection at the Danube in Vienna Collection at the Danube in Vienna
• Throwing of the Manta net Throwing of the Manta net
• group C at the microplastics sampling group C at the microplastics sampling
• Manta net stabilised with PET bottles Manta net stabilised with PET bottles
• microplastic sampling with minister of education Polaschek microplastic sampling with minister of education Polaschek
• Minister Polaschek collects garbage for group B with Viennese students Minister Polaschek collects garbage for group B with Viennese students
• group B sorts their garbage finds group B sorts their garbage finds
• Garbage gets sorted Garbage gets sorted
• group B counts and documents their finds group B counts and documents their finds
• Picture for the data validation of the results of group B Picture for the data validation of the results of group B
• group A documents a photo of their transects for the data validation group A documents a photo of their transects for the data validation
• after uploading the data onto the website, they can be seen on the interactive map after uploading the data onto the website, they can be seen on the interactive map
• Plastic Pirates at the European Researchers' Night Plastic Pirates at the European Researchers' Night
• Microplastics Danube wetlands Microplastics Danube wetlands
• Plastic Litter National Park Donauauen Plastic Litter National Park Donauauen
•  

How can beef and milk consumption be made more sustainable? This is the question that the new citizen science project COwLEARNING at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna is exploring, and it relies on the strong participation of a wide range of stakeholders. From farmers to consumers: https://www.citizen-science.at/en/projects/cowlearning-875

Research with new plant aarivals from all over the world

DURATION: 01.05.2020 - 30.04.2023

In a first-of-its-kind approach in Europe, pupils in the district of Liezen are researching and documenting the phenological development of invasive neophytes under the influence of climate change. With the help of experts, they develop and test modern, multilingual field research instruments and educational tools, thus laying the foundation for a long-term, nationwide Citizen Science network. The observations are used to make neophyte management in the region more efficient, supported by phenological information. The project results thus not only have educational value, but also tangible ecological benefits.

What is happening in the project or has already happened?

In C.S.I. PhenoBiota, kindergarten children and pupils from all school levels in the Liezen district explore the exciting phenological world of neophytes together and at eye level with scientists. Equipped with comprehensive, age-appropriate research tools, they observe and document the phenological phases of selected plant species throughout the year, relate them to the climate and learn to draw professional conclusions. What is phenology? A large part of the material in C.S.I. PhenoBiota is developed together with the pupils. For example, a NawiTech research box for kindergarten children is being developed to make the project's main topics accessible to our youngest participants in a playful way and with all their senses. In the Girls only! programming course, schoolgirls develop a simple app.  

Pupils observe with the Nature Calendar App © Marco Schupfer

With the help of the already existing nature calendar app and the new neophyte feature, parents, grandparents, siblings and other interested Citizen Scientists should also be encouraged to participate in the project and share their phenological observations. How does the app work (in German)? However, there is also an analogue way to record the phenological phases using observation sheets. Click here to download the sheets (in German). At the end of the project, the collected data will be used to create phenomenal hubs for all participating school classes, with the help of which our young researchers can forecast the annual development of neophytes in their region.

In addition, the pupils have the opportunity to work out and examine their own scientific questions that are of burning interest to them on the topic. 

In the project, the young researchers accompany the entire process from the planning, development and implementation of phenological data collection to data evaluation and application of the findings. They also actively help to communicate their results. 

Click here to listen to the radio programmes: 

• Projektvorstellung C.S.I.PhänoBiota
• Radiosendung Phänologischer Frühling
• Schüler:innen machen Radio – Neophyten und Co
• Radiosendung Phänologischer Sommer

In keeping with the theme, our experts also come to schools and provide exciting insights into their professions. Pupils visit researchers in the region and make valuable contacts for the future. Interested students have the opportunity to write pre-scientific Matura papers on the topic and to work closely with our experts.

Excursion with the Naturschutzbund to the Trautenfels nature reserves © Marco Schupfer

Project goals

To get to know the complex of topics "Neophytes-Phenology-Climate Change" and to explore connections independently through innovative, interdisciplinary teaching methods. Enable and use access to NawiTech researchers in the region, e.g. for projects, internships, excursions, scientific work). Strengthen the role of children with a migration background through special tasks in the project and emphasise and use their competences.

Actively involve parents, grandparents, siblings and other interested Citizen Scientists in the project and get them enthusiastic about joint research.

Project partners

• Corporate partner:
  • RML Regional Management Bezirk Liezen
• Scientific partners:
  • Berg- und Naturwacht Steiermark
  • Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics
  • Higher Federal Teaching and Research Institute for Agriculture Raumberg-Gumpenstein
• Educational institutions:
  • WIKI Kindergarten Donnersbachwald
  • Altenmarkt Nature Park Primary School
  • St. Gallen Nature Park Primary School
  • Primary School Aigen im Ennstal
  • Secondary School Irdning
  • Secondary School Stainach
  • Admont Abbey Grammar School
  • Federal Training College for Kindergarten Education Liezen

Group photo of consortium partners © NUP Steirische Eisenwurzen

What opportunities does your project offer for educators who would like to apply for a cooperation grant?

We invite educational institutions from all school levels and from all over Austria to participate in the project through individual activities and to take a closer look at the fascinating phenological world of neophytes with us. All activities of C.S.I. PhenoBiota can also be implemented with cooperating schools. You are welcome to bring in your own ideas on the project topic and explore them together within the framework of the cooperation grants. Cooperation grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis.

Picture gallery

• Pupils sketching the neophytes © Marco Schupfer Pupils sketching the neophytes © Marco Schupfer
• Neophytes at first hand © Marco Schupfer Neophytes at first hand © Marco Schupfer
• Monitor neophytes and support science with the app © Marco Schupfer Monitor neophytes and support science with the app © Marco Schupfer
• Excursion to the HBFLA Raumberg-Gumpenstein © Marco Schupfer Excursion to the HBFLA Raumberg-Gumpenstein © Marco Schupfer
• Rhizome box to try out © Marco Schupfer Rhizome box to try out © Marco Schupfer
• Tracking neophytes © Sabina Kropitsch Tracking neophytes © Sabina Kropitsch
•  

Mit Unterstützung vom Bundesministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation und Technologie sowie die Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft (FFG) mit dem Förderschwerpunkt Talente regional.

Breaking the blame game: 

COwLEARNING for sustainable beef and dairy supply 

Our society faces grand challenges, such as mitigating climate change and adapting to its consequences, ensuring a healthy diet and maintaining cultural landscapes with high biodiversity. A sustainable agri-food industry addresses these challenges. 

In Austria, with its high share of meadows and pastures, cattle husbandry is particularly important. Several aspects of dairy and beef supply are perceived as unsustainable. This is for instance its impact on climate change because during their digestion cattle release the climate-damaging greenhouse gas methane. Moreover, both animals and humans often face welfare problems because of difficult living and working conditions on farms and abattoirs. Many animals are kept in small spaces for the production of cheap products in a competitive market. Cattle are then prone to illness and their treatment with antibiotics may result in antibiotic resistance. In addition, our high consumption of meat causes health risks.

These and other problems in our beef and dairy supply are broadly discussed but many questions remain unanswered:

• What has driven past changes in dairy and beef supply and why have sustainability innovations (not) been implemented?
• How do alternative dairy/beef chains compare in terms of animal and human welfare, the environment, socio-economic characteristics, and potential for growth?
• What are broadly acceptable and feasible changes for the future? 

The project COwLEARNING combines scientific knowledge from the universities with the knowledge of practitioners in farming, processing, retail, gastronomy and consumption*. Together, we search for possible ways of change and thereby consider different innovative practices. This may include, for instance, pasture-based feeding, cow-calf contact systems (the calf stays with the cow for longer time after birth), mobile abattoirs, cow-sharing (animals are slaughtered only when all their parts are sold), milk and beef substitutes.  

With a farm-to-fork assessment, we compare these innovations from the farmer to the consumer. Together with practitioners, we develop scenarios, this means pictures of the future showing alternative developments. In addition, we develop serious games to convey the topic in a playful way. With these approaches we want  to stimulate learning and provide spaces to experiment with more sustainable beef and dairy supply.

*Participation is limited to these stakeholder groups and therefore closed.

Citizen Science Seminar

In January 2024, poject coordinator Marianne Penker held a lecture about the project (in German) as part of the lecture series "Citizen Science Seminar" at BOKU University. You can watch the video recording of the lecture down below. 

Picture gallery

• Common Vision © Jana Wiese Common Vision © Jana Wiese
• Projectstart © FWF-LuizaPuiu Projectstart © FWF-LuizaPuiu
• Transdisciplinary Team © COwLEARNING Transdisciplinary Team © COwLEARNING
•