Carina Veeckman

I am interested in how technology is shaping our lives in cities, and how innovation can make our cities more livable and sustainable. Our cities are facing a lot of challenges with regards to pollution and population growth. In this sense, I believe that it is crucial that participatory processes are set up with citizens in cities, in which needs and wants of citizens are taken into account when new solutions are developed. What is the air quality in my street? How can I be informed about an upcoming pluvial flooding, and how can I contribute to more green space in my neighborhood? To study these questions, I am experienced in setting up participatory governance processes, in which co-creation with citizens is central. I like to combine the collection of qualitative and quantitative feedback to improve the design of the solution, and as such, work towards technology acceptance by end-users.

Currently, I am working as a senior researcher at SMIT in the Digital Inclusion and Citizen Engagement Unit, acting as the principal investigator for citizen science. In fall 2022, I am starting my PhD on the democratizing effects of citizen science. I have been involved in citizen science projects since 2016, both as a project manager, acquisition lead and researcher. I’m also a member of the steering committee of the Flemish Citizen Science Association (SCIVIL), with whom I recently published two guides on communication and engagement strategies, and a roadmap for citizen science with and by local government. I’m also closely involved in the development of a single-point-of contact for CS within the Science Outreach Office department at the VUB.