For Immediate Release
Citizen Science Month Invites Public to Join 2.50 Million Acts of Science in April
Nationwide effort marks America’s 250th birthday through public participation in research
Philadelphia (February 24, 2026) — This April, people across the United States and around the world are invited to contribute 2.50 Million Acts of Science as part of Citizen Science Month, the largest month-long effort focused on public participation in scientific research.
Led by SciStarter, a global organization headquartered in Philadelphia, PA and an official partner of America250, supported by partners including the Association for Advancing Participatory Sciences, Arizona State University, the Smithsonian Institution, NASA, Cornell University, Idealist, and others, the campaign connects America’s 250th Birthday with a nationwide call to action. The goal highlights how millions of individual contributions can collectively advance scientific discovery and benefit communities.
Citizen Science Month, held each April, celebrates the growing role the public plays in research, from collecting and analyzing data to contributing insights that help scientists address real-world challenges. This year’s campaign centers on a shared goal of 2.50 Million Acts of Science, underscoring the cumulative impact of public participation.
Acts of Science are real, measurable contributions to ongoing research and are open to anyone, anywhere. No prior experience is required. Examples include sharing nature observations, helping scientists analyze images online, or transcribing historic documents from a library or from home. Each action directly supports active research projects.
“Citizen science shows what’s possible when people come together to contribute to the common good,” said Darlene Cavalier, founder of SciStarter and professor of practice at Arizona State University. “In 2026, Acts of Science invites everyone to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday by participating in discovery and helping advance research that benefits communities everywhere.”
New in 2026 – Acts of Science: Connected
Each week, this series of live, interactive virtual events produced by SciStarter will feature a different research project and the scientist behind it, guiding participants as they contribute in real time. Projects range from helping NASA scientists analyze space and Earth data to collaborating with the Smithsonian to transcribe historic records.
Libraries, museums, schools, and community organizations are encouraged to host in-person gatherings that livestream these events. All citizen science projects and events during April count toward the 2.50 Million goal.
Participants can explore projects, events, and reporting tools at https://CitizenScienceMonth.org. SciStarter is an official partner of America250, and Acts of Science initiatives are featured on America250.org.
