New APHL and EPA Citizen Science Quality Assurance Toolkit

The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) worked with EPA to develop the new Citizen Science Quality Assurance Toolkit to facilitate the use of the previously developed EPA Citizen Science Quality Assurance Handbook. The toolkit was developed to optimize the value of citizen science data and collectively with the handbook, help citizen science groups systematically plan, carry out and document their projects through project plans. In collaboration with citizen science groups, federal, state, tribal and local agencies may expand their own data collection efforts by providing quality assurance guidance so the project data can be used for their intended purpose.

Citizen science encompasses a wide variety of projects—from community science activities to public participation in scientific research—and can answer important environmental and public health questions. Citizen-led projects can produce valuable information to answer these questions, but quality assurance during the data gathering process is critical.

For more information, also read the APHL and EPA Guide for Government Agencies and visit the EPA citizen science website.