Case study Science à la pelle

With nearly 80% of modern medicines derived from soil bacteria, including antibiotics and immunosuppressants, the search for new microbial compounds is crucial in combating antibiotic resistance. The overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of resistant bacteria, making the discovery of novel antibiotics a global priority.Launched in 2022, Science à la Pelle is a citizen science project led by researchers from Université Paris Cité and INSERM, within the Evolution and Engineering of Dynamic Systems Laboratory at the Learning Planet Institute. The project aims to identify new bacteria naturally present in soil that may hold potential for medical applications. Given that a single gram of soil can contain over 1,000 bacterial species, extensive sampling is required to maximize biodiversity analysis and drug discovery opportunities. By involving the public in soil sample collection, Science à la Pelle enables large-scale data gathering across diverse environments. Participants simply collect a spoonful of soil during their walks, document the location, and send the sample to researchers free of charge, thanks to a partnership with La Poste. This case study examines the project’s methodology, public engagement strategies, and its role in advancing antibiotic research through participatory science.