At SPOTTERON we strongly believe that Citizen Science Apps can serve as a space for interactive collaboration in reaching positive change. Multi-level engagement, participatory processes and transdisciplinary approach are also principles shared by the New European Bauhaus which aims to reimagine sustainable living in Europe by bringing various actors together. In this blog, we will share insights on Citizen Science initiatives running on SPOTTERON Citizen Science App Platform focusing on urban spaces, as well as co-explore New European Bauhaus call.
The Horizon Europe projects under the New European Bauhaus (NEB) call are open. NEB is rooted in three values: sustainable, inclusive and beautiful. NEB projects should follow three working principles: multi-level engagement, participatory processes and transdisciplinary approaches. In the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025 New European Bauhaus Facility three thematic areas are named:
DESTINATION - CONNECTING THE GREEN TRANSFORMATION, SOCIAL INCLUSION AND LOCAL DEMOCRACY
- HORIZON-NEB-2025-01-PARTICIPATION-01: The impact of common space on neighbourhood communities
- HORIZON-NEB-2025-01-PARTICIPATION-02: Fostering and maintaining the social fabric for the green transition in neighbourhoods
- HORIZON-NEB-2025-01-PARTICIPATION-03: Beautiful, sustainable and inclusive street furniture for the transformation of neighbourhoods
- HORIZON-NEB-2025-01-PARTICIPATION-04: Network of neighbourhoods for innovative policies on gentrification
DESTINATION - CIRCULAR AND REGENERATIVE APPROACHES FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
- HORIZON-NEB-2025-01-REGEN-01: Applying regenerative design to the built environment in neighbourhoods
- HORIZON-NEB-2025-01-REGEN-02: Bio-fabricated materials for sustainable and beautiful construction
- HORIZON-NEB-2025-01-REGEN-03: Sufficiency measures in the built environment
- HORIZON-NEB-2025-01-REGEN-04: Innovative approaches for sustainable, inclusive and beautiful social and affordable housing
DESTINATION - INNOVATIVE FUNDING AND NEW BUSINESS MODELS FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF NEIGHBOURHOODS
- HORIZON-NEB-2025-01-BUSINESS-01: Renovating the built environment through design for adaptability and disassembly
- HORIZON-NEB-2025-01-BUSINESS-02: Bottom-up social entrepreneurship for the cocreation of neighbourhoods in line with the New European Bauhaus
- HORIZON-NEB-2025-01-BUSINESS-03: Reverse local construction supply chains for the beautiful re-assembly of reclaimed construction products
New European Bauhaus values
We also want to add our take on the guiding values across NEB call. We are thrilled to learn about the way beauty is defined by NEB: "beautiful means aesthetically pleasing, emphasising the quality of experience, beyond mere functionality". At SPOTTERON, we share this passion of combining design with technical elements for interactive Citizen Science Apps.
Citizen Science Apps for local neighbourhood needs
CommuniMap (GALLANT project, University of Glasgow)
On the SPOTTERON App Platform, several citizen science initiatives are actively co-creating sustainable neighbourhoods. For example, recently launched CommuniMap App developed by the GALLANT project at the University of Glasgow helps people of all ages notice, record, and share what they see in their neighbourhoods — from urban trees and hidden wildlife to water events, local energy projects, and compost heaps.
Film by Brand Calibre, in collaboration with the GALLANT project at the University of Glasgow.
HealthyHoods App (Hanze University of Applied Sciences)
The HealthyHoods App, a Citizen Science project by researchers from Denmark, Latvia, and the Netherlands, aims to promote healthy lifestyles by focusing on food and physical activity opportunities in local neighborhoods.
Walkability App (Walk21 Foundation)
Another example running on SPOTTERON App Platform is Walkability App which is an initiative by the Walk21 Foundation, a UK charity. The aim is to make walking safer, more accessible, and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities. The Walkability App allows users to share their walking experiences, providing valuable insights into the accessibility and safety of public spaces.
Our Outdoors App (University of Edinburgh)
Our Outdoors App is a citizen science project which aims to find out more about what users experience when they are in public spaces such as parks, beaches, canals, and town squares. It was developed by researchers in the Scottish Collaboration of Public Health Research and Practice (SCPHRP) at the University of Edinburgh in partnership with Sustrans, the MRC and citizens. Our Outdoors App is running on SPOTTERON App Platform since 2020.
UrbanBetter Cityzens App (UrbanBetter)
Another example is the UrbanBetter Cityzens App, initiated by the Africa-led global social enterprise UrbanBetter. The aim of the initiative is to create a youth-led global movement that connects physical activity with technology and citizen science to promote more climate-resilient and healthier urban public spaces.
Are you thinking about citizen science initiatives in your local neighbourhoods? We would love to help! For any questions and opportunities, please do not hesitate to get in contact: