DxHub Citizen Science initiatives were presented at the European Citizen Science Association Conference, ECSA 2026, in Finland. DxHub team pitched the “Youth for Diagnostics” project, a two-year STEAM-based initiative that engages high school students from the Heraklion prefecture, in real-world water diagnostics. Students will gain hands-on experience by participating in real scientific efforts, assisting researchers in answering questions related to the environment and public health issues, while equipped with knowledge and skills for water microbiology and the development and use of field-deployable diagnostic technologies. The project aims to foster scientific curiosity, improve health literacy and strengthen the connection between communities and diagnostic innovation.

In addition, the team also presented the poster of the “Koonoupia project”, a citizen science initiative that engages communities in monitoring mosquito populations and related public health risks. The project demonstrates how citizens can contribute valuable data while increasing awareness about environmental and health challenges.

Citizen science continues to grow as a powerful approach for connecting research, innovation and society. DxHub citizen science projects demonstrate how collaborative models can generate both scientific value and societal impact. Projects like Koonoupia project and Youth for Diagnostics illustrate how participatory approaches can contribute to more inclusive innovation, while also inspiring the next generation to engage with science and diagnostics.