The IMPETUS Accelerator is a great opportunity if you are:

• thinking of starting a new citizen science project;
• an ongoing citizen science project looking for support, financial and otherwise, to grow and become sustainable;
• a researcher or a research team seeking to establish a new citizen science project;
• a community interested in co-designing research on the topics related to our challenges: Citizen Science to support Circular Communities and Citizen Science for a Fair and Just Society;
• an organisation in public, private, and third sectors that is exploring the use of citizen science in their work.

Two grant types are available:

• Kickstarting grants: If you are starting or have recently established a new project, you can apply for a kickstarting grant. Successful applicants will receive €20,000, mentoring and training support to help establish your initiative for seven months.
• Sustaining grants: If your project is ongoing, you can apply for a sustaining grant; successful applicants will receive €10,000, mentoring, and training support for seven months.

New and ongoing projects are also eligible.

Focus topics:

1. “Citizen Science to Support Circular Communities”

Specifically related to SDGs #7, #11, #12, and #3:

Resource Management: Promote sustainable lifestyles, resource reuse, and pollution prevention.

Infrastructure & Housing: Enhance the sustainability and resilience of housing, energy, and public transport.

Disaster Resilience: Foster community-driven preparedness, prevention, and adaptation to climate-related disasters.

2. “Citizen Science for a Fair and Just Society“

Specifically related to SDGs #4, #5, #10, and #16:

Democracy and Peace: Citizen science can rebuild trust in democracy, promote social cohesion, and support peace by bridging divides in European communities.

Inclusion: Citizen science empowers disadvantaged communities, such as rural, elderly, and low-income groups, by amplifying their voices and driving change.

Public Trust, Education and Empowerment:Citizen science fosters trust and understanding by involving communities in research and creating accessible, engaging content through collaborations, countering misinformation and declining trust in institutions.