The Promise and Pitfalls of Citizen Science

Inspired by its 2021 exhibition Dr. Franklin, Citizen Scientist, the American Philosophical Society’s Library & Museum hosted a symposium on "The Promise and Pitfalls of Citizen Science" that explores citizen science as a phenomenon. The symposium began on Monday, April 5, and continued through Friday, April 9, with sessions scheduled at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day. The event was held online via Zoom.

The symposium’s theme reflects the work of Benjamin Franklin and others who lacked formal training and whose work sometimes went unacknowledged but whose contributions significantly added to the advancement of knowledge. It hopes to expand upon the theme of the exhibition by exploring understandings of citizen science over time, placing historical initiatives in conversation with present day projects as well as reflecting on the future needs and opportunities of the movement.

The symposium was free and open to all.