Citizen Science: Bringing Science and Society Together

Why is Citizen Science so core to Maka’s Universal Wellness mission? It’s actually baked right into our company values – showcasing the power of community to impact the evolution of health in society.

Citizen Science provides a framework and toolset for everyone to become contributors to the health and wellness as a whole – if they consent to do so. The power of collective contribution and participation means new knowledge can be uncovered, supported by groundbreaking research that drives innovation.

From monitoring public health trends, tracking diseases and their effects, exploring the impacts of environmental factors and more, Citizen Science is an invaluable, powerful element in addressing our universal health challenges.

This article explores the significance of Citizen Science, what it is, who it benefits, and why it is important. 

What is Citizen Science?

According to the National Institutes of Health, Citizen Science is a collaborative and inclusive approach to scientific research, involving the active participation of the general public. It allows individuals, regardless of their scientific background, to contribute to various research activities and projects. By collecting data, analyzing samples, and participating in research tasks, Citizen Scientists help accelerate scientific progress and tackle complex challenges across different fields. 

The partnership between scientists and the public promotes accessibility, inclusivity, and efficiency in scientific research. Through their meaningful contributions, citizen scientists play a vital role in advancing knowledge, driving innovation, and fostering scientific discovery and technological development.

Why is Citizen Science important?

According to Rowbotham and Walker (Marks, n.d., as cited in Rowbotham & Walker), examples of citizen science in action include identifying community problems, developing solutions, evaluating interventions, and building community capacity. These approaches have been employed to address various health issues, such as identifying barriers to physical activity and healthy eating, understanding public perceptions of alcohol-related harm, and collecting data to support tobacco control advocacy efforts. 

Engaging citizens in health-related initiatives empowers them to make informed decisions and help collectively address health challenges at a grassroots level. At a system level, this can reduce healthcare costs, enhance productivity, and help alleviate the strain on healthcare systems. 

Why should you care?

By participating in Citizen Science projects, members can engage with and learn about various scientific disciplines, expanding their knowledge and understanding. Additionally, Citizen Science promotes a sense of empowerment and connection to the scientific community, fostering a collaborative environment where the public's voice and expertise are valued. Based on an article by the University of California, Berklleye, Citizen Scientists contribute to scientific progress by observing their surroundings, collecting information, and accelerating discoveries. Their efforts improve health, support wildlife conservation, and empower communities for positive change.

Furthermore, Citizen Science addresses topics that directly affect communities, allowing individuals to have a say in decisions and actions that impact their well-being. 

Maka Health and Citizen Science

At Maka Health we can incorporate Citizen Science into our health and wellness goals by involving members in our research and data collection processes. We can invite individuals to participate in comprehensive assessments and gather data on health history, habits, and mindset.

Maka Health can reassess and strategize based on new lab results and genetics, involving participants in the decision-making process for treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and targeted interventions.

Maka Health also encourages individuals to share data from wearables and monitoring apps, and add subjective feedback to refine their approaches. We can continue involving participants by retesting, implementing advanced vitality and longevity strategies, and streamlining baseline health habits based on their input.

By engaging members as partners, we can gather valuable insights and enhance our services for optimized health and long-term goals.

In summary, Citizen Science offers the public a chance to be actively involved in scientific endeavors, gain knowledge, contribute to important research, and influence outcomes that matter to them. Investing incCitizen health benefits the entire community and fosters a shared responsibility for a healthier future.

Citations:

https://www.cancer.gov/research/resources/citizen-science

https://researchinvolvement.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40900-023-00451-4

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6975539/

https://scienceatcal.berkeley.edu/science-at-cal-at-home-citizen-science/

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/citizen-science-article/