The City of Debrecen aims to create a knowledge-based urban community. The use of Citizen Science also serves this goal: to bring science closer to the city's inhabitants. A thinking, acting, urban community is the basis for achieving local environmental goals.

With regard to the principles of Citizen Science, it is of paramount importance to use credible information based on scientific methods, which in our case:

• •the accredited measuring instruments of the Debrecen Environmental Monitoring System and
• •the knowledge provided by professors, scientists and the best professionals of the University of Debrecen.

Another important value principle of community science is that the data and results collected in scientific research are published in a publicly accessible, transparent and understandable form. These principles provide the framework for Citizen Science Programmes, which also focus on experiential learning.

Citizen Science Programs

Those involved in Citizen Science Programmes:

• •Understand the complex interrelationships between nature and the environment,
• •recognize interdependent chain processes,
• •gain insights into the work of different disciplines,
• •gain insight into data collection processes: from sensors/sampling to laboratory testing,
• •and learn about the scientific conclusions of research and how the knowledge gained is applied in everyday life.

People from Debrecen can volunteer in Citizen Science Programmes regardless of age and prior knowledge. For school children, the programmes place particular emphasis on the observation and study of nature, including species. Events for urban citizens will aim to organise educational tours to provide complex contextual information and a broad spectrum of insights into water, soil, air and biodiversity. The Citizen Science Programmes will also include a programme to encourage local environmental research for university students and initiatives to build on the knowledge accumulated in local innovation communities.

Citizen Science participants form a community based on knowledge and social responsibility. This community of thinking and acting together will be able not only to see the future Debrecen wants, but also to take action to make it happen.