Adopting a Citizen Science Approach in Translational Experimental Medicine Research in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Study Protocol

Background Citizen science approaches are widely and successfully used in biological, environmental, and ecological sciences; however, they are rarely applied in other domains, such as translational health research, notably in the field of liver disease and metabolism. This citizen science study aims to explore the application of the citizen science approach in a translational experimental medicine experiment on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and a 12-week lifestyle and weight loss program. In this methodological paper we describe the process of involving citizen scientists in the study. Methods In his exploratory study, we will recruit a convenience sample of thirty-one participants (with and without NAFLD) and a half-dozen citizen scientists (members of public). Citizen scientists will work alongside clinical and non-clinical researchers in a translational experimental medicine study on NAFLD. Citizen scientists will be involved in the co-design and/or review of data collection tools (e.g., semi-structured open-ended questionnaire surveys and semi-structured wellbeing diaries completed by the participants), co-analysis of data on participants’ experiences and motivations, co-drafting of research findings and papers, and suggesting policy recommendations. Citizen scientists will be provided training in research tasks undertaken by them. Citizen scientists will be either co-authors or their names will be mentioned in the acknowledgements in research paper(s) based on the level of research contributions. Discussion Lessons learned from implementing citizen science in this study will help better understand the advantages and disadvantages of using citizen science in the field of translational medicine research. It will also provide insights as to how citizen science can be integrated in other translational research studies. Conclusion Involving citizen scientists in translational medicine research is important for extending research opportunities for member of the public; however, there may be methodological challenges, which may be identified and resolved by more research studies.