The term "citizen science" has been used to describe a range of ideas, from a philosophy of public engagement in scientific discourse to the work of scientists driven by a social conscience.

In North America, citizen science typically refers to research collaborations between scientists and volunteers, particularly (but not exclusively) to expand opportunities for scientific data collection and to provide access to scientific information for community members.

For the purposes of the initiative, we define citizen science as:

projects in which volunteers partner with scientists to answer real-world questions."