Science has long been the domain of the average citizen as well as professional scientists. Most of us know an original citizen scientist – grandads that recorded rainfall in their back gardens; aunts with a list of the dates their shrubs bloom; or neighbours with a rock collection. But recent years and improvements in technology have seen a broader reach to more participants and a greater contribution of the general public to formal research, known as citizen science. In a well-designed citizen science project, the data collected by members of the general public is of equal quality to that collected by professional research scientists. Gray Foxes above Los Angeles, US National Park Service Camera Trap. Although you may take part just for adventure, your contributions are valuable and citizen science has been credited with some major discoveries, like the finding of unknown planets, animals and fossils. Citizen science is also used as an outreach and engagement tool. Projects are designed to draw you in and keep you enthralled, so chances are there’ll be one that excites you while making use of your expertise. And by expertise, I mean ability to hike, take photos, or sit about eating chips and surfing the internet.