There can be considerable value in citizen participation across different phases of scientific research and decision-making. This ranges from establishing research agendas and priorities to experimentation, analysis, dissemination, and assessment. It encompasses a range of different processes, including public communication and participatory dialogue, transdisciplinary and co-creation approaches, and citizen science. 

Citizen science in particular, is a major focus of policy attention. Although it is defined differently across countries and contexts, a critical aspect is the active engagement of non-professional scientists in scientific knowledge production. Policies to promote citizen science include dedicated funding mechanisms and new approaches to impact assessment.

There is growing concern about mis- and dis-information related to science and the effect that this can have on public trust. At the same time there are concerns that scientific advice and evidence is often ignored or misinterpreted by politicians and policymakers.  Effective communication at the interfaces between science and the public and science and policymaking is particularly important during crises.

Different audiences have different demands from scientific communication and the processes for developing and disseminating information can be as important as the substance of the communication itself. Poor communication can undermine trust and help promote dis-information and polarization of society. There is a need to agree on common principles for responsible scientific communication, to build capacity and to incentivise good communication.

There are many areas of research, including environmental and public health research, in which citizen science is well developed.  With the rapid spread of digital tools, other fields such as astronomy and mathematics have begun to exploit crowdsourcing to good effect. However, the areas where citizen engagement has perhaps the most potential to influence knowledge production are the complex challenges that require transformational solutions.

Transdisciplinary research combines perspectives from different disciplines and different sectors of civil society to generate new insights and knowledge and leads to actionable solutions. However, it requires adjustments to traditional funding and evaluation mechanisms and is not favoured by the disciplinary structures and incentives that are characteristic of many academic institutions.  Proactive policies are required to promote and reward transdisciplinary research.