Introdução editorial / Editorial introduction UAlgoritmo Special Issue - Citizen Science on Sustainable Horizons ( Multilingual )
Citizen Science and Open Science are key processes emerging within Higher Education Institutions ( HEI ). Those initiatives are more necessary than ever to empower society , based on scientific knowledge , to face an individual positive attitude to global challenges . While opening up access to data , publications , and other research products is necessary , it is insufficient to fully transition science towards Open Science . Citizen Science provides the means for open , holistic , and participatory processes of knowledge generation . Therefore , Citizen Science should be acknowledged as an essential pillar of Open Science to enable it to add significant value . Citizen science , with its long tradition of public involvement in research , must be recognized as contributing to the ultimate mission of universities co-producing scientific research with potential benefits for each individual and society .
The aim of this UAlgoritmo Multilingual Special Issue in the field of sustainability is , within the framework of the Sustainable Horizons project ( SHEs - HEUROPA 101071300 - HORIZON-WIDERA- 2021- ACCESS-05 – European Universities designing the horizons of sustainability ) to share goods practices of Open Science with Citizen Science , among the 6 HEIs of the consortium in different European countries ( Portugal , Spain , Germany , Finland , Czechia , and Romania ) and contributing to the institutional change . The selected approach was a specific volume of the UAlgoritmo , in both English and the native languages of the consortium , also contributing to linguistic diversity that brings Science closer to citizens This citizen science journal facilitates the co-production of knowledge in cooperation with the public , based on cooperation between high school students and early-stage university researchers , including Ph . D . students . The researcher ' s papers and scientific work are summarized in a way that makes it accessible to all , with the guidance of secondary school students acting as reviewers . Practical contributions of science still need further communication and problem-solving to society . Overall , actively involving society in citizen science and addressing global challenges creates a more inclusive , informed , and participatory approach to scientific discovery and problem-solving .
This special issue delves into a rich tapestry of sustainability science topics , reflecting the multidisciplinary essence of the field . The diverse contributions span a spectrum of crucial aspects , from encouraging sustainable mobility to using smart robots for waste value creation . Cultural influences on future transportation technology usage , currency competition , the potential of internationalization , and the sustainable production of ecological lubricants showcase the intersection of technology , economics , and ecology . Intriguing evaluations of Community Interest Habitat 2180 , the sustainable use of waste from hedge trimming , and a comparison study on wheat germ resistance to hydric stress emphasize the practical applications of sustainability in various contexts . The exploration of sustainable rural tourism , the impact of climate change on freshwater resources and agriculture , and an in-depth literature review on sustainable development in the Blue Economy underscore the holistic approach to addressing environmental and societal challenges . Notably , the special issue also sheds light on specific ecological contexts , such as the threatened tropical biodiversity : little fish in São Tomé and Príncipe ( Guinea Gulf ), alongside innovative approaches to wastewater treatment involving atmospheric CO2 . Together , these contributions weave a comprehensive narrative , showcasing the breadth and depth of sustainability sciences . Each study is a vital piece of the puzzle , contributing to understanding the interconnected challenges and solutions required for a more sustainable future .
We gratefully acknowledge all authors ( young researchers ) and reviewers ( students ), their teachers , our editor , associated and guest editors , for their effort , talent , and insightful contributions to this special volume of UAlgoritmo . Overall , this volume aims to provide the public around Europe and beyond with integrative in diversified mother tongues , an overview of sustainability hands on applications . Yet , we also sincerely hope that this volume proves helpful to attract more of our young student to scientific careers ; the future and hope of our society and planet are in their hands …. Act …
Alexandra Teodósio & Miguel Puig
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