Public Engagement
Citizen Science
Citizen science, also known as participatory science, refers to the active involvement of the public in scientific research. Participation can take many forms, including the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, as well as the co-design of research projects and dialogue between the academia and non-institutional knowledge holders. Collaboration between the scientific community and civil society makes it possible to gather large volumes of data and gain insights on a scale that would often be difficult to achieve through traditional research methods.
Citizen science and public engagement initiatives aim to bridge the gap between scientific research and the public, build trust in scientific knowledge, and promote a more democratic approach to science.
Ongoing Projects
PhytoWatch
PhytoWatch is the new Citizen Science project of Laimburg Research Centre. The public is invited to report plants showing symptoms consistent with phytoplasma infection. Samples will be analysed by the Laboratory for Molecular Biology, and the results will be shared with participants. In South Tyrol, phytoplasmas are best known for causing diseases such as apple proliferation, grapevine flavescence dorée and grapevine bois noir. PhytoWatch broadens the focus to other plant species in order to map the presence of phytoplasmas in ornamental, wild and garden plants across South Tyrol.
To find out more about the typical symptoms of phytoplasma infection and take part in the project, visit phytowatch.laimburg.it.
Past Projects
Bloomiverse
In the summer of 2024, the public was invited to vote on a research project to be included in Laimburg Research Centre’s 2025 Programme of Activities. The winning project was “Bloomiverse – Sow seeds, gather data”.
Bloomiverse involved 164 participants across South Tyrol. As part of the project, they received a mix of seeds from five native plant species of regional origin, a pot, a bag of soil with one of three nutrient levels, and instructions for carrying out the experiment. From April to August 2025, participants sowed, watered, and counted the seedlings, flowers, and flower clusters growing in their pots, which were located in different parts of South Tyrol and at different altitudes. The data collected will enable researchers to better understand how these plant species develop under different environmental conditions and at different nutrient levels.
Photo Action: Nature in Focus
For its 50th anniversary, in summer 2025 the Laimburg Research Centre launched “Photo Action: Nature in Focus”, inviting the public to slow down, observe their surroundings and share photographs celebrating the beauty and authenticity of nature. Images could be submitted in one of three categories: symmetry, local biodiversity and colour contrasts.
Nine photographs were selected for a public exhibition at NOI Techpark in Bolzano, held from 10 October to 3 November 2025. The exhibition also featured historical images of Laimburg Research Centre’s construction and its first 50 years. All the photographs submitted to the initiative can be seen here: natureinfocus.laimburg.it.
Contact
