Figure 1
The phase-based approach of amai!.
Figure 2
Overview of main results per phase and per iteration of the program.
Table 1
Topics and main research questions of funded projects per iteration and theme.
| CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT | HEALTH | MOBILITY | WORK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iteration 1 | Monitoring trees: Can citizen-trained image recognition enhance tree mapping for better informed local climate policy decisions? | Personalized monitor for diabetics: Can AI improve type-1 diabetes management during physical activity with guidance on insulin dosing and carbohydrate intake? | Cycle path monitoring: Can citizen-collected data through smart bike sensors enhance cycling path condition assessment? | Live classroom subtitles for non-native pupils: Can live Dutch subtitles using Speech-To-Text in lessons aid non-native speakers’ comprehension, language skills, and confidence in speaking? |
| Iteration 2 | Monitoring litter using drones: How can citizen-sourced drone data and image recognition aid in mapping litter impacts on biodiversity? | Sleep tracking and improvement: Can AI make meaningful predictions and suggestions for improving citizens’ sleep quality, based on eating, exercise and sleep habits? | Building accessibility map: Can speech-to-text and Natural Language Processing (NLP) enable citizens with typing or visual impairments to collect data on building accessibility? | Signaling learning and living difficulties at school: How can AI assist in signaling learning and living difficulties of students, while ensuring ethical considerations and practical application for teachers? Language assistant for teachers: Can AI offer targeted feedback to teachers on language goals for multilingual learners by analyzing pronunciation, intonation, tempo, and language errors? |
| Iteration 3 | Monitoring Bees: Can citizen-trained algorithms enhance the mapping of bees and gestation plants for identifying factors in winter bee mortality? | Explaining medical reports in lay terms: To which extent can AI enhance patient comprehension of medical reports and support patient empowerment? | Route planner for visually impaired people: How can AI-driven navigation apps enhance independent mobility for the visually impaired? | Sign language translator: How can a video-to-text search in the Flemish Sign Language dictionary enhance communication and inclusivity for the deaf community? AI language learning buddy for non-native pupils: How can conversational image-based practice with a voice Bot improve Dutch language acquisition and reduce speaking anxiety for newcomer students? |
Figure 3
Example of how sixteen crowdsourced ideas led to a funded citizen science project on drone-based litter monitoring.
Table 2
Overview of the involvement of the stakeholder groups in each phase of amai!.
| 1. COLLECT IDEAS FOR RESEARCH QUESTIONS | 2. FROM IDEA TO CONCEPT | 3. OPEN CALL FOR FUNDING | 4. IMPLEMENTATION OF CITIZEN-DRIVEN RESEARCH PROJECTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citizens | Submit ideas | Define the scope of citizen-driven research projects | Public voting and citizen jury | Data collection Co-design Feedback |
| Civil society organizations | Promote idea submission in own network | Define the scope of citizen-driven research projects | Promote public voting in own network, Apply for funding | Consortium partner in funded projects |
| Academia and industry | Give feedback to submitted ideas | Define the scope of citizen-driven research projects | Jury member or Apply for funding | Consortium partner in funded projects |
| Policy makers | Promote idea submission in own network | Define the scope of citizen-driven research projects | Jury member or Apply for funding | Consortium partner in funded projects |
Table 3
Number of phase one bookable activities (cfr. Pillar III Results) and number of people reached through these activities across three program iterations, categorized by online and in-person formats.
| ONLINE | IN PERSON | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES | NUMBER OF PEOPLE INVOLVED | NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES | NUMBER OF PEOPLE INVOLVED | |
| Iteration 1 | 11 | 389 | 2 | 1,000 |
| Iteration 2 | 4 | 139 | 35 | 20,191 |
| Iteration 3 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 28,268 |
Figure 4
Communication funnel of amai!.
Figure 5
Developed materials with their main goals and settings.
Figure 6
High-level roadmap of future actions.