Citizen science projects have contributed to scientific progress across disciplines. From users mapping biodiversity on iNaturalist, to analyzing protein folding configurations to advance drug discovery on Foldit, to discovering new planets on Zooniverse, we have seen the value of engaging everyday participants in scientific research projects. The Computing Community Consortium (CCC) recently published a new report on how advanced computing, especially artificial intelligence (AI), can extend that impact even further while at the same time contribute to human-in-the-loop computational research. The report, titled Grand Challenges for the Convergence of Computational and Citizen Science Research, assesses the ways that such technology can increase the potential of citizen science, ultimately enhancing scientific […]

CCC Blog, associated with the Chicago Code Camp, offers insights, tutorials, and updates on software development, technology trends, and developer community events. Covering topics such as software craftsmanship, emerging technologies, and professional development, CCC Blog provides resources for developers of all levels. Developers can learn about industry best practices, attending tech conferences, and contributing to open source projects through CCC Blog's articles and event announcements.

Computing Community Consortium

The Computing Community Consortium (CCC) has published a report outlining how advanced computing and AI can amplify citizen science efforts. The report identifies a symbiotic relationship where AI handles large-scale data processing while citizen scientists provide contextual knowledge and edge-case observations. It proposes a research roadmap covering human-AI teaming frameworks, explainable AI for non-expert users, real-time feedback systems, participatory AI governance, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Key application areas include endangered species protection, medical research acceleration, and astrophysics. The report also emphasizes building ML/AI literacy among both researchers and the general public to enable a new generation of convergence-ready contributors.

How Citizen Science Can Transform Advanced Computing — And, Ultimately, Scientific Research As a Whole