Making responsible research and innovation meaningful in citizen science

Abstract This study aims to explore what aspects of citizen science (CS) make the involvement of researchers (implementing CS projects) meaningful in terms of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles. Using constructivist grounded theory, we analysed semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 CS projects in terms of sensemaking and sensegiving. In terms of sensemaking, researchers of CS projects tend to implicitly self-incorporate RRI principles into work and among these principles, public engagement and inclusion are key aspects motivating researchers into CS projects. In terms of sensegiving, researchers prioritize open access and science education over other RRI principles. The lack of acknowledgment of RRI’s importance in the current research culture proves to be a significant barrier to implementing these principles in a sustained manner. Likewise, experiential learning was widely practised; however, CS projects encountered different concerns and dilemmas. Therefore, tailored training on RRI is necessary for researchers involved in CS projects.