From August 25 to 30, 2025, the Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, in collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), hosted its 5th Short Term Capacity Building Programme. The theme was “Technology Driven Sustainability in the Sciences: Innovations, Applications, and Pedagogical Approaches.” The programme brought together educators, researchers, and professionals to explore how technology can advance sustainability in science and education.
As part of this initiative, Roshan Singh, Founder & CEO of Scrollwell, delivered Session III on “Citizen Science and Open Data Platforms.” His lecture highlighted how collaborative scientific efforts and digital tools can empower both academics and communities to contribute to sustainable development.
Session Highlights
Roshan Singh began by introducing the concept of citizen science. He explained that individuals outside formal research can actively contribute to data collection, monitoring, and problem-solving in areas such as climate change, biodiversity, and public health. He emphasized that democratizing science not only expands research scope but also strengthens public engagement with sustainability issues.
Next, the session explored open data platforms and their role in ensuring accessibility and transparency in scientific research. Roshan demonstrated how tools such as open-access repositories, GIS-based systems, and collaborative digital platforms help researchers and policymakers make informed decisions.
Key highlights included:
- The importance of data sharing in solving environmental challenges.
- Real-world examples of citizen science projects that influenced climate action and conservation policies.
- Demonstrations of digital tools enabling large-scale participation in data collection.
- Discussions on ethical considerations, data quality, and community trust.
Roshan’s engaging style encouraged active participation. Educators and researchers shared perspectives on integrating citizen science projects into teaching and research, enriching the session further.
Impact & Takeaways
By the end of the session, participants had:
- Gained a clear understanding of how citizen science fosters inclusivity in research.
- Learned about open data platforms that improve collaboration and transparency.
- Identified ways to integrate citizen science projects into academic curricula.
- Recognized the potential of digital technologies like AI, IoT, and GIS in scaling up sustainable science initiatives.
The session inspired faculty and scholars to view science as a collaborative pursuit that thrives on openness, accessibility, and community involvement.
Acknowledgment
Roshan Singh thanks the Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), and the Department of Chemistry for hosting this impactful programme. He also appreciates the thoughtful engagement of participants, whose contributions made the session dynamic and meaningful.
📩 For collaborations, training sessions, or speaking opportunities, please reach out to Roshan Singh through the contact section of this website.
