Citizen Science
We are thrilled to invite teachers and administrators in interested schools to take part in the 5th Joint Danube Survey (JDS) 5 Citizen Science Program, a unique initiative designed and coordinated by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission and supported by the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR).
This hands-on initiative coordinated by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and supported by the ICPDR allows students the opportunity to actively participate in the world’s largest surface water monitoring survey, as ‘citizen scientists’ engaging in real-world environmental research to protect the Danube River.
This initiative empowers young people to become active participants in real-world environmental monitoring, demonstrating how collective action can make a difference in the health of our waterways.
Why Participate?
By joining this citizen science initiative, students will:
✅ Engage in real-world scientific research on water quality and pollution.
✅ Receive an official certificate recognizing their participation in JDS5.
✅ Go to the ICPDR Secretariat at the Vienna International Centre for a study visit.
✅ Work alongside experts and experience environmental monitoring first-hand.
How It Works:
- Step 1: The school will receive a fully funded sampling kit provided by the JRC. Each kit includes sampling bottles, stir bars, and magnetic stirrers for six samples.
- Step 2: Students will collect water samples from a local Danube site or tributary using the special stir bars that absorb contaminants.
- Step 3: The stir bars will be placed on a magnetic stirrer, which uses kinetic energy to rotate and prepare the sample.
- Step 4: Schools ship the samples back to JRC using pre-paid postage – no costs involved!
- Step 5: Students will have the chance to share their experiences through photos and videos that may also be featured on our official platforms.
Important Details:
- Who can participate? Students aged 16 and above.
- When? Ideally in May 2025 to allow for ample time to analyze and showcase the results
- Where? The school selects a sampling site along the Danube (only transportation needs to be arranged by the school)
- Special Support: A Danube for All project representative will assist schools in Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Romania.
We encourage teachers and students to document their experience with photos and videos! Schools that tag us on social media will have a chance to be featured on our official pages.
