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Leveraging the collaborative power of AI and citizen science for sustainable development

Author

Listed:
  • Dilek Fraisl

    (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
    Citizen Science Global Partnership (CSGP))

  • Linda See

    (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA))

  • Steffen Fritz

    (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
    Citizen Science Global Partnership (CSGP))

  • Mordechai Haklay

    (University College London (UCL)
    Learning Planet Institute)

  • Ian McCallum

    (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA))

Abstract

Both artificial intelligence (AI) and citizen science hold immense potential for addressing major sustainability challenges from health to climate change. Alongside their individual benefits, when combined, they offer considerable synergies that can aid in both better monitoring of, and achieving, sustainable development. While AI has already been integrated into citizen science projects such as through automated classification and identification, the integration of citizen science approaches into AI is lacking. This integration has, however, the potential to address some of the major challenges associated with AI such as social bias, which could accelerate progress towards achieving sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Dilek Fraisl & Linda See & Steffen Fritz & Mordechai Haklay & Ian McCallum, 2025. "Leveraging the collaborative power of AI and citizen science for sustainable development," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 8(2), pages 125-132, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:8:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1038_s41893-024-01489-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-024-01489-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Steffen Fritz & Linda See & Tyler Carlson & Mordechai (Muki) Haklay & Jessie L. Oliver & Dilek Fraisl & Rosy Mondardini & Martin Brocklehurst & Lea A. Shanley & Sven Schade & Uta Wehn & Tommaso Abrate, 2019. "Citizen science and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 2(10), pages 922-930, October.
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