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Citizen Science – 30 Years of GLOBE Program – 5 Years of Contribution
08.04.2025 – Speech:
On April 8th, 2025, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology [University of Thessaly, Greece], the 30th anniversary of the GLOBE Program and the 5th anniversary of contribution on the GLOBE Program, a speech was delivered by Athanasios Theodorakopoulos at the Hippocrates Amphitheater of the Medical School, covering the following thematic sections:
1. The Makerspace/Hacklabs movement in Europe
2. The importance of Open Data and Free Software
3. Introduction to Citizen Science and the GLOBE Program
4. Data collection and Field environmental research
The presentation highlighted the strong connection between Citizen Science and the collaborative culture of hackerspaces, where public participation in scientific research becomes a hands-on, open and community-driven experience. A great example of this is the involvement of Greece GLOBE v-School in data collection within Olympus National Park through the GLOBE Program.
The session showcased the construction of an instrument shelter for atmospheric measurements, the importance of proper sensor calibration and the selection of the correct timing for data collection – with a special focus on Local Solar Noon [LSN].
Particular emphasis was placed on the role of satellites in supporting and validating Earth observations, with examples such as: PACE, TERRA, AQUA, JPSS-1 (NOAA-20), AURA, CALIPSO, and Sentinel-5P. Additionally, the presentation covered field activities related to Aerosol Optical Thickness [AOT] measurements and the use of the Mosquito Habitat Mapper, which links environmental observation to public health awareness.
Furthermore, the participation of tinycore lab Team and the Greece GLOBE v-School in global campaigns such as the Trees Around the GLOBE Student Research Campaign, the European Phenology Campaign, and the Urban Heat Island Effect [UHIE] – Surface Temperature Intensive Observation Period [IOP] was highlighted. The session also acknowledged the inspiring work and guidance of the program leads, including Brian Campbell, Peder Nelson, and Peter Falcon.
10.04.2025 – Workshop:
On April 10th, 2025, students from the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology visited the Olympus National Park and participated in a workshop organized by GLOBE educator Athanasios Theodorakopoulos and Greece GLOBE v-School, where they were trained on the following measurement protocols:
• Atmosphere – Air Temperature
• Atmosphere – Relative Humidity
• Atmosphere – Barometric Pressure
• Atmosphere – Precipitation
• Atmosphere – Clouds
• Atmosphere – Surface Temperature
• Biosphere – Greening: Green Up
• Biosphere – Trees
• Biosphere – Land Cover
• Pedosphere – Soil Temperature
• Hydrosphere – Water Temperature
at the following GLOBE sites:
• Research Area: LIT-193420S1 [UHIE-IOP]
• Research Area: LIT-193453S2 [UHIE-IOP]
• Research Area: LIT-193799S3 [Atmosphere Investigation]
• Research Area: LIT-216587S4 [Hydrosphere Investigation]
• Research Area: LIT-218186S6 [EPC]
The students also learned how to use the GLOBE Observer app and performed Tree Heights, Land Cover and Clouds observations and were introduced to the Mosquito Habitat Mapper.
It is essential for students to understand the value of their contribution to an international community of peers, educators, and scientists and to deepen their knowledge about our shared environment.
Hosting: Prof. Kalliope Papadopoulou, Asst. Prof. Sotirios Vasileiadis, Athanasios Theodorakopoulos, Maria Karava, Anastasios Nikas
Event link: bio.uth.gr/25-years-bbd
