I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you all! Zooniverse, our beloved platform for people-powered research, has been honored by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) as a champion of open science. 

The OSTP Year of Open Science Recognition Challenge awarded five different projects, including Zooniverse, as ‘Champions of Open Science’ for our work to promote open science to tackle a unique problem. To check out the full announcement and see the other winners, click here.

We’re deeply honored by this recognition. It underscores our commitment to Open Science through people-powered research, valuing the public’s diverse expertise and driving innovation beyond traditional boundaries. By democratizing access to scientific spaces and discovery, Zooniverse not only advances research, but also builds trust in science and fosters meaningful engagement within our global community. 

What makes Zooniverse truly special is the community that drives it forward. The Zooniverse team of devs and data scientists building the platform, the hundreds of researchers leading projects, and every single one of you who dedicates your time and expertise to advancing knowledge. Whether you’re classifying galaxies, transcribing historical documents, tagging penguins, or marking the structure of cells for cancer research, your contributions have made a tangible impact on research across a range of disciplines. And the results speak for themselves – over 400 peer-reviewed scientific publications, groundbreaking discoveries, and critical policy impacts have all stemmed from your collective efforts.

But it’s not just about the data or the publications – it’s about the connections we’ve forged along the way. Through Zooniverse, we’ve built a global community of curious minds, united by a shared passion for exploration and discovery. Together, we’ve championed the principles of open science, breaking down barriers to knowledge and fostering a spirit of collaboration that transcends borders and disciplines. And in doing so, we’ve not only advanced scientific research but also strengthened trust in science and empowered individuals to pursue their interests and passions.

So here’s to you, our incredible community of participants and researchers. Thank you for being a part of this extraordinary journey. Together, we’ll continue to champion the principles of openness, collaboration, and innovation in research, one classification and one Talk post at a time.

Laura

Zooniverse PI, VP Science Engagement, Adler Planetarium in Chicago