Documentary On Newstalk presents; Citizen Science, a new radio documentary that explores how ‘community scientists’ are making big discoveries.
Across Ireland, people are doing exciting and important science, even though they didn’t train as scientists. They are documenting sightings of birds and insects, of lizards and newts. They are playing games that improve our understanding of the human mind, mapping meteors across our solar system, and testing the water in our rivers and streams. They are even helping unearth our history at archaeological dig sites. In this programme, we explore the field of ‘citizen science’, we find out about the projects people are contributing to, and we discover how it is improving our understanding of science.
Citizen Science, will have its broadcast premiere on Newstalk on Sunday May 21st at 7am, repeated Saturday May 27th at 9pm and be available to listen afterwards on the Drama on Newstalk feed on all major podcast platforms.
We visit DIAS Dunsink Observatory to learn how amateur astronomers are spotting, mapping, and recovering meteors. We find out how kayakers and walkers are monitoring the water quality of their local streams. We learn about a smartphone app that invites people to play games that help us understand how the mind works, and potentially improve mental health treatments. We discover how people counting the birds, bees, and reptiles in their gardens are helping protect Irish wildlife. Finally, we find out about community archaeology, and the discoveries that can be mad
Citizen Science, was produced by Shaun & Maurice (aka science communicator Shaun O'Boyle and artist Maurice Kelliher) and was funded by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee.
‘Citizen Science’ features:
● Jonathan Mackey from DIAS Dunsink Observatory
● Susan Hegarty from the DCU Water Institute
● Claire Gillen from Neureka
● Kieran Flood from The Irish Wildlife Trust
● Tara Adcock from Birdwatch Ireland
● Graeme Warren and Conor McDermott from UCD School of Archaeology
