2.50 Million Acts of Science

Award Requirements

The “2.50 Million Acts of Science” badge is awarded to participants who demonstrate a commitment to advancing scientific research through citizen science on the SciStarter platform during Citizen Science Month (April 2026) by meeting the following requirements:

• Create or log in to a SciStarter account.

• Identify and participate in one or more SciStarter Affiliate projects using the Citizen Science Month portal, the Affiliates page, or the Project Finder at https://scistarter.org/finder by filtering for Affiliate projects.

• Link the SciStarter account to the selected Affiliate project so contributions are accurately credited.

• Complete at least one Act of Science between April 1 and April 30, 2026. Acts completed through SciStarter Affiliate projects and SciStarter trainings are tracked automatically, while participation in events or non-Affiliate projects should be self-reported using the Report Acts form on CitizenScienceMonth.org.

What counts as an Act of Science?

An Act of Science is any real way you help science. During Citizen Science Month, this can include sharing observations to fill data gaps, helping analyze data, attending a citizen science event, or completing the Foundations of Citizen Science training. Each of these actions counts toward the collective goal of 2.50 Million Acts of Science!

Skills and Competencies

Earners of the “2.50 Million Acts of Science” badge have demonstrated all of the following skills. Each skill has been linked with Lightcast's open skills library. To learn more, visit https://lightcast.io/open-skills.

Data Collection: Participants will harness their data collection skills by logging observations and activities, contributing to the vast dataset required to reach the 2.50 Million Acts of Science goal.

Data Analysis: Badge earners apply their data analysis expertise to interpret findings from citizen science projects, aiding in advancing scientific research.

Critical Thinking: This badge rewards those who utilize critical thinking to assess scientific data and methodologies, ensuring meaningful contributions to research questions.

Digital Literacy: Navigating the SciStarter platform and Affiliate projects requires digital literacy, enabling participants to engage with and contribute to online citizen science initiatives effectively.

Collaboration: Earning this badge signifies an individual's ability to work collaboratively within a global community of citizen scientists, sharing data and insights to achieve the project’s ambitious goal collectively.

Scientific Literacy: Participants demonstrate scientific literacy by understanding and engaging with the scientific concepts underlying their chosen projects, contributing to informed, quality scientific output.

Problem Solving: This badge recognizes individuals who apply problem-solving skills to overcome challenges encountered in citizen science projects, contributing to their success and achieving shared objectives.

Communication: Effective communication of observations and findings is crucial, and badge earners excel in sharing their contributions with the wider scientific community, enhancing the collaborative impact of the projects.

Detail Oriented: Attention to detail is essential for accurately recording observations and ensuring the reliability of data contributed to citizen science projects, a key aspect recognized by this badge.

What Is Citizen Science Month?

Citizen Science Month is a global call to action each April, inviting people everywhere to help shape the future through science. While SciStarter connects people to citizen science projects and events year-round, this month brings together partners worldwide to reach new audiences and remind people that their participation truly matters. Small but important Acts of Science, taken together, lead to big impacts.

Citizen Science Month also presents an inspiring challenge for collective action. In 2026, participants around the world are working together to reach 2.50 Million Acts of Science, demonstrating how individual contributions add up to meaningful scientific impact. Participants can also earn the 2.50 Million Acts of Science badge in recognition of their contributions.

Citizen Science Month is built on the belief that everyone has something to contribute. Throughout April, during events and through ongoing projects, individuals of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to take part in real scientific research. No prior experience is needed, only curiosity and a willingness to contribute.

Visit https://scistarter.org/citizensciencemonth to learn how you can participate and be recognized for your contributions during Citizen Science Month.

What is SciStarter?

SciStarter is a global citizen science hub that connects millions of people to thousands of opportunities to participate in real scientific research. It helps people turn curiosity into Acts of Science through a powerful project and event finder, personalized dashboards, and tools that make participation easy across projects, websites, and apps. Led by the SciStarter Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and supported by a mission-aligned LLC for client services, SciStarter uses evidence-based approaches that are field-tested and scaled to support participants, scientists, and facilitators while coordinating major initiatives such as Citizen Science Month and Do NASA Science LIVE. Visit https://scistarter.org/ to start your first Act of Science!