When Science Belongs to Everyone

Science and technology have become inextricably intertwined with people's daily lives, profoundly influencing social relations, habits, lifestyles and work activities, and exerting a substantial influence on public opinion. In response to these changes, institutions are required to reformulate communication models and knowledge governance strategies. In this scenario, Citizen Science emerges as a participatory tool that actively involves citizens in scientific production, thereby redefining the concept of openness in science and promoting more inclusive forms of knowledge construction. The present study proposes a sociological reflection on these dynamics, investigating the Italian case through a mixed methodological approach. The analysis focuses on the potential of Citizen Science to contribute to the definition of public policies, highlighting the social and political implications of this participatory change.