Earthwatch Science Camp

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Earthwatch Science Camp offers early-career environmental researchers, such as those considering or already undergoing a PhD, the exciting opportunity to learn about and explore the role of community engagement in environmental research.

Our Science Camp is a hands-on learning residential experience held over five days.

We provide immersive, expert-led, peer supported training for early-career scientists to develop skills, knowledge and confidence in science communication, engaging communities in research, and co-creation approaches in science such as citizen science and enhancing nature connection.

To address the challenges our planet faces today, we need environmental scientists and researchers who can understand, connect, innovate and co-create.

We need researchers who can work with and for communities, increase participation and understanding in science, communicate results and implement joint solutions.

A variety of backgrounds and experiences are required to generate the ideas, solutions and outputs the environmental sector needs to make a difference.

“The course has inspired me. I want to take action in becoming a role model for younger women in science and introducing a community-centred approach in my research.”

Community engagement in research, or citizen science, has been a core element of how Earthwatch has helped connect people to the planet. Science has identified the causes of climate change and loss of biodiversity. Science is essential if we’re to face and solve these crises.

By working with communities to gather data, scientists can massively increase the amount of data collected. But community engagement also has the power to do so much more, it equips communities with knowledge to inform local decisions and empowers them to take action. Citizen science can benefit whole societies, but only if environmental scientists choose to use it.

“I have a much better idea about Community Science now than I had before. I have some tools that allow me to ask the right questions when planning Community Science. It’s also very encouraging and empowering knowing that we’re a community of people looking for things to change.”

Earthwatch Science Camp brings together a diverse range of perspectives, cultures and lived experience. We have participants from the UK, from Oman and encourage those from around the world, who are studying in the UK to join us. We have created a space where individuals can learn from speakers and scientists, from each other and share their own experiences. We provide support for participants to develop action plans, confidence and networks.

What can you expect from a Science Camp?

Equitable access to science training
Peer learning experiences and a chance to build networks
Develop the skills and knowledge to:
- Include citizen science in your research
- Understand methods and approaches of current citizen science projects
- Engage diverse communities with science
- Value and understand co-creation and equity in science
- Enhance nature connection and its value to both scientists and the communities with whom they work
- Take positive action to embed these approaches in their current and future research
- Undertake citizen science research projects
Location: Hill End Outdoor Education Centre, Oxford
Accommodation: same gender shared rooms with bunk beds, same gender shared bathrooms
Catering: all meals prepared together; vegetarian and vegan; other dietary requirements can be catered for
Start time: 10am on Day 1, finishes 12.30pm on Day 5

Applications

The next Science Camp will take place in September 2026. Applications will open in the spring. Please keep an eye on our digital channels for more updates.

Each participant needs to cover a nominal £100 fee for their attendance which covers all training, plus food and accommodation for the duration of the course. If for any reason you or your institution are not able to pay this fee, Earthwatch can provide a bursary to cover the cost.

Get in touch

If you’d like to know more about our Science Camps, please do get in touch.