Here's your chance to be a real scientist! Help researchers answer real science questions. The Academy is involved in several citizen science projects that rely on the field work of non-professionals. Collect actual specimens and scientific data to contribute to Academy research.
Citizen Science at the Academy focuses on how California biodiversity has changed based on historic knowledge and the Academy’s specimen collections. We are looking for evidence of changing distribution patterns of terrestrial and marine organisms and the possible correlations to climate change, introduced species and/or habitat loss. For more information or to volunteer for a field day, email .
Explore our current projects below to get involved!
Bay Area Ant Survey
Citizen scientists can help determine the spread of the invasive Argentine ant while documenting the overall diversity of ants in the Bay Area. To participate, see California Bay Area Ants.
Want to find the citizen science project that's right for you? Browse this list to see a wide diversity of programs looking for volunteers. Some projects involve fieldwork, while others are entirely online. From astronomy to marine biology to environmental sciences, there's bound to be a project to interest you!