Trust is fundamental to citizen science, but it is rarely established through single actions. Instead, it develops gradually through consistent patterns of practice over time.

When projects communicate openly, recognise participant contributions, explain how data is used, respond to feedback, and acknowledge limitations honestly, trust tends to deepen. Participants are more likely to remain engaged when they understand how their contributions are valued and how decisions are made.

Conversely, trust may be weakened by:

• extractive participation;

• unclear governance;

• lack of feedback;

• or pressure to prioritise visibility over community relationships.

For example, a project may secure significant attention by showcasing results publicly, but if participants feel excluded from how those results are interpreted or shared, trust can be eroded. Rebuilding trust is often more difficult than maintaining it, making transparency a central element of responsible scaling.

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