Citizen Science
Researching Together – Science in Collaboration with the Public
Citizen science is a collaborative effort between the general public and the research community, contributing to the advancement of academic institutions in Israel.
Through a variety of projects, participants can take part in collecting, documenting, classifying, and analyzing data in fields such as ecology, medicine, social sciences, genetics, history, Jewish studies, and more. Every observation, click, or report adds a piece to the larger puzzle that advances human knowledge.
Active participation enables the study of large-scale phenomena, the identification of emerging trends, and the preservation of valuable information — including data that might otherwise be lost.
The Public
Anyone can take part in academic research.
Would you like to engage in the world of scientific research, even without a professional background? Looking for a way to contribute to environmental protection, public health, or the study of history and culture, on a flexible schedule?
Citizen science fosters collaboration between the public and the research community, opening the world of academic research to active public participation. No prior knowledge, professional training, or special expertise is required to join academic projects at Bar-Ilan University. Participation is open to everyone and allows you to contribute to real research at your own pace and according to your availability.
With an ever-growing range of projects in the sciences and humanities, you have the opportunity to explore, learn, and enjoy — while making a meaningful contribution to academic research in Israel.
To join, visit the Projects page, select an area of interest, and follow the instructions.
Researchers
How can open science advance academic research?
Open science provides researchers in all fields with tools and methods to expand the boundaries of research. Integrating the public into the research process through citizen science projects enables large-scale and diverse data collection, resource savings, and acceleration of analysis and interpretation processes.
Participants bring local knowledge, life experience, and fresh perspectives that can lead to the identification of patterns, insights, and discoveries that traditional research alone could not achieve. Moreover, open science strengthens the connection between academic research and the community, enhances public trust in science, and encourages broad-impact collaborations, even beyond academia.
Ready to begin? The Library and Information Division team supports the process from concept to project implementation. You can propose a research project using the form; after submission, we will contact you for further guidance and coordination.
Citizen Science in Bar-Ilan
Projects
- Heritage Insights
Tracing Ownership Marks in Old Books: The Stories of Books and People
Join a unique project that combines the preservation of Jewish heritage, history, and scientific innovation.
The project focuses on identifying and documenting hidden ownership marks — such as dedications, stamps, signatures, and marginal notes — in Jewish books printed up to 1940. Among these books are remnants of Jewish libraries that were confiscated or burned during the Holocaust and from communities across the diaspora. These books are now housed in the Library of Jewish Studies.
Every stamp or signature found will be scanned, cataloged, and added to the library database, revealing the personal and communal stories hidden within the pages of each book.
The materials will be made accessible to the public through the project website and social media, enabling anyone who recognizes a name, stamp, or dedication to share information and help uncover the stories behind them. All collected data will be verified and made publicly available as part of the library’s knowledge repository.
The project is an initiative of Dudi Ben-Naim, Curator of the Judaica and Rare Books Collection at the Library of Jewish Studies, in collaboration with the “Otzmot” Center, headed by Prof. Heftziba Lifshitz, with the support of Dr. Shoshana Nassim and Ms. Morag Karadi.
Interested in joining?
Contact Dudi Ben-Naim, and we will gladly provide additional details, offer a brief orientation, or assist with the registration process.
