The first citizen science workshop of the ReLEAF project took place during Expociència 2025 on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the University of Valencia’s Science Park and School of Engineering. The event was designed to facilitate public engagement with science through interactive activities that invited individuals of all ages to collaborate directly with researchers and explore the scientific process firsthand.
The goal was to make science more understandable and interesting for everyone. Participants—families, students, teachers, and science lovers—joined hands-on experiments, data collection, and live demonstrations led by university researchers and project partners.
The event included more than 100 activities, workshops, and demonstrations across both venues. This year, special efforts were made to make the event more inclusive, with activities adapted for people with functional diversity and tools to improve sensory accessibility, so everyone could take part.
Over 80 organizations took part, including research centers, companies, university staff, and volunteers, making it a true community event and a great example of public participation in science.
This event was a great opportunity for the first workshop of the ReLEAF project, which caught the attention of many visitors. Nicolas Juste Vidal, from Anecoop (Spain’s largest exporter of fruits and vegetables), explained how bio-based fertilizers are produced and the benefits of sustainable practices in fruit and vegetable farming. The concept of bio-based fertilisers sparked curiosity, especially among children, and encouraged questions about sustainability. This was a perfect occassion to disseminate the ReLEAF project’s goals and facilitate knowledge exchange with the general public.
Visitors also received small gifts, such as project-branded notebooks, bags, and even mini tomato plants to grow at home—encouraging continued interest in sustainability and agricultural practices. A bilingual survey (Spanish and English) was distributed to gather public perceptions of bio-based fertilisers.
Overall, the Citizen Science Workshop at Expociència 2025 was a clear example of effective science communication and a strong demonstration of the power of inclusive, participatory public engagement in science. If you want to learn more about the event, you can go here.