Citizen science paradigm at the forefront of ETAIN
The project adopts a participatory approach for the co-design and development of the app on RF-EMF exposure. Communities are engaged throughout participative hubs and hands-on activities following a citizen engagement strategy.
Co-design workhop in Barcelona
As part of the Beers4Change event series, Ideas for Change hosted a collaborative workshop in Barcelona to explore the ETAIN project's mission and invite citizens to take an active role in scientific research. The session brought together experts and curious individuals from the fields of health, technology, and social innovation to discuss 5G, electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), and the importance of inclusive science. Participants engaged in thought-provoking conversations to clarify common misconceptions and deepen their understanding of exposure and its potential impacts.
The second part of the session focused on co-designing the ETAIN 5G Scientist app, a tool that helps citizens measure and visualise their exposure to RF-EMF. Through an interactive format, attendees shared ideas on app features, indicators, and user interface design, contributions that have directly informed its development. By involving citizens from the early stages, the project fosters a user-friendly and participatory approach to scientific data collection.
Co-creation workhops in Frankfurt
Throughout 2024 and 2025, the ETAIN team has been meeting in Frankfurt to co-create and refine the 5G Scientist app. This multidisciplinary team, composed of citizen science researchers, RF-EMF experts, software developers, and communication specialists, has worked collaboratively to ensure the app is both user-friendly and scientifically robust. These intensive two-day sessions have been essential for aligning technical accuracy with user needs, while validating each update to the app through expert input and participatory feedback.
The co-creation approach has also been applied to the development of the ETAIN Dose Calculator, with validation sessions held in Barcelona and Eindhoven. Feedback gathered during these sessions has been shared with the development team to further improve the tool’s precision and usability. In both cases, the communication team has played a vital role in shaping tools that not only function effectively but are also accessible, engaging, and ready to generate public interest.
