How can citizen science reduce psychological distance to science? Insights from three projects in contested environmental contexts

Citizen science (CS) is often seen as a way to bridge science and society. This paper examines how that potential unfolds by analyzing contested environmental CS cases through the lens of Psychological Distance to Science (PSYDISC). Drawing on three case studies, we identify which contextual aspects of CS shape citizen scientists’ experiences of social, spatial, temporal, or hypothetical distance to relevant science – and how these experiences sometimes relate to trust. While CS-specific research aspects often foster proximity and trust, concerns around power, marginalization, and injustice continue to create distance. Reflexive, context-sensitive engagement can support proximity and socially robust knowledge production.