How can people with intellectual disabilities be supported to engage in citizen science?

bIntroduction:/b There is a growing interest in citizen science in the scientific community as an approach to engaging non-experts in scientific research. However, there are currently very few examples of citizen science projects involving people with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual disabilities. There is therefore a need to explore whether and how citizen science projects can become more inclusive.br/brbr/br bResearch Aim:/b This commentary paper draws on literature and research examples to explore whether inclusive research methods and processes have a role to play in increasing the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in citizen science projects.br/brbr/br bState of the art:/b To develop a case for the potential role that inclusive research methods and processes can play in increasing citizen science inclusivity, this paper: 1) provides an overview of the features, methods, and principles of citizen science; 2) compares citizen science with inclusive research and 3) provides an example taken from a small pilot study on how inclusive research methods and approaches have been used to support people with intellectual disabilities to engage in a citizen science project. br/brbr/br bSummary:/b The authors conclude that it is possible to use inclusive methods and processes to engage people with intellectual disabilities in citizen science projects, but professional researchers will need to be willing to be more flexible in understanding what citizen science is. Adopting or adapting inclusive research methods and processes provides an opportunity for citizen science to expand its involvement and create more inclusive research environments for people with intellectual disabilities.