The example focuses on the STECCI project (2023–2027) on medieval stećci tombstones. Combining citizen science, design thinking, and arts-based methods, CCS engage volunteer researchers including communities as co-researchers in heritage research and preservation. The reflection suggests that critical-creative, participatory formats foster inclusive knowledge co-production, learning, and sustainable heritage stewardship.
The input was presented at the occasion of the “Österreich forscht” Konferenz, the Austrian Citizen Science conference, in February 2026. The proceeding is available here…
The European research project STECCI, funded by Horizon 2020, explores how the unique medieval stećci tombstones of Southeast Europe can be preserved and reimagined as living cultural heritage in the face of climate change and other environmental and societal challenges. Combining scientific conservation and digitisation with social innovation, citizen science and creative approaches, the project involves local communities as active contributors to heritage research and preservation. Within STECCI, the Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI) plays a key role in the project’s participatory and Creative Citizen Science activities, developing and testing formats that combine citizen science, design thinking and arts-based research. Through Social Labs, workshops and educational activities, ZSI helps create spaces in which researchers, citizens and local stakeholders jointly explore the cultural and social significance of stećci, contribute local knowledge and develop new perspectives for the sustainable stewardship of this UNESCO World Heritage.
Learn more about the STECCI project & the capacity building programme…
