Within the framework of DxHub, a citizen science project is being developed at Agrupamento de Escolas de Paço de Arcos (SCPA), in a collaboration ith the Ciência + Cidadã Programme and with the support of the Municipality of Oeiras. The initiative engages students in scientific practices related to the analysis of waterborne pathogens, with a particular focus on Legionella spp., including the use of a point-of-care (PoC) device currently being developed by STAB VIDA. The data generated by the students will contribute to the validation of this rapid and portable test for Legionella detection, supporting infection prevention and the control of epidemiological outbreaks. The project aims to strengthen scientific literacy in health, foster civic participation, and bring students closer to research, innovation, and the challenges affecting their own community.

The “Youth for Diagnostics” initiative is part of the first organized Citizen Science program in Crete with the participation of 18 schools, the Science Labs Centers (EKFE) of Heraklion, and 40 secondary education teachers from the wider Heraklion area. The goal of this STEAM initiative is to place students in the role of scientists, promoting active citizen participation in scientific research. Students, acting as citizen-scientists, are expected to participate in real scientific efforts, assisting researchers in answering questions related to the environment and public health issues, while equiped with knowledge and skills for water microbiology and the development and use of field-deployable diagnostic technologies. The ultimate goal of the program is the creation of a diagnostic tool for detecting microorganisms in water by the students.
The project is co-organized by the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), the University of Crete, the Technical Schools of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce (KEK), the Natural History Museum, the Region of Crete, and the National Public Health Organization (EODY).

Mosquitoes are the primary vectors of many pathogenic microorganisms responsible for serious diseases. The goal of this project is to map the mosquito species found in Greece, some of which may transmit pathogens dangerous to humans. As new mosquito species spread across our country and neighboring regions, monitoring their expansion through citizen science will help researchers track invasive, disease-carrying species, identify high-risk areas, and take measures to protect the community.
The project is co-organized by the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), the Technical Schools of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce (KEK) and the Natural History Museum, and will run through the “inaturalist” platform.