Illustration of Participatory Science in the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area

The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA) is encouraging participatory science with its partners. EMA is a leader in participatory science activities and this guidance emphasizes support for this research design model that encourages research projects, as appropriate, to engage in enhanced forms of participatory science. Participatory science involves actively engaging partners in research activities. Initial levels of participatory science involve less partner engagement. Models of enhanced engagement levels, such as co-production, work with partners throughout the duration of a research project, from identifying needs to drive the research design to the final stages of project deliverables that can lead to more informed management decisions or actions. There are many models of participatory science, but this illustration may serve as a useful reference.