The Concept of “Citizen Science” and Mapping Tobacco and Alcohol Retail – Interview with Prof. Dr. Connie Hoe and Ezgi Baltacı (

Prof. Dr. Connie Hoe and Ezgi Baltacı (German Cancer Research Center) in conversation with Sinan Barış Yaşar (HGGS)-  What should be understood by the concept of “citizen science,” and what distinguishes citizen science from other scientific approaches? -  Why is it important to include the public in the scientific research process?-  What insights does the mapping of tobacco and alcohol retail provide within the framework of public health research?In this episode, Professor Dr. Connie Hoe and researcher Ezgi Baltacı from the Division of Policy and Implementation Research for Cancer Prevention at the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum) talk about the concept of citizen science and its application in public health research, focusing on their project “Mapping Tobacco and Alcohol Retail in Mannheim, Germany.” They reflect on the importance of interdisciplinary research, the benefits of involving the public in scientific work in the field of public health, the ethical considerations that come with the citizen science approach, and policy recommendations for tobacco and alcohol control. The conversation highlights the challenges of citizen science projects, the methodology used in their research, and the initial results of their mapping project, emphasizing the community’s role in shaping health behaviors. Join us as we explore citizen science and its use cases in public health research with our expert guests!Timeline(00:00) Intro(00:24) Introducing Prof. Connie Hoe and Ezgi Baltacı(03:43) Activities of the Division of Policy and Implementation Research for Cancer Prevention at the German Cancer Research Center(07:24) Interdisciplinary Research and Its Importance in the field of Public Health(08:27) Understanding Citizen Science(10:40) The Social Aspect of Citizen Science(12:32) How Citizen Science Differs from Other Scientific Research Methods?(14:13) Public Engagement and Ethics in Citizen Science(17:30) Challenges in Citizen Science Projects(18:25) Data Quality and Reliability(20:23) The Research Project “Mapping Tobacco and Alcohol Retail in Mannheim”(24:25) Methodology, Recruitment Strategies and Community Impact(28:41) Challenges during the Project “Mapping Tobacco and Alcohol Retail in Mannheim”(32:07) “Citizen Mapping Day” Experience(35:31) Initial Results of the Project(37:34) Migrant Health Research(40:08) Policy Recommendations for Regulation of Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption(43:29) Future Academic Plans(45:27) Personal reflection: What will be missed most when leaving Heidelberg?(49:30) OutroKeywordsCitizen Science, Public Health, Tobacco Retail, Alcohol Retail, Interdisciplinary Research, Community Engagement, Policy Implementation, Health Behavior, Research Ethics, Heidelberg, Mannheim, German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Mapping Project, Cancer Prevention, Health Research, Policy and Implementation Research, Heidelberg University, Ethics, Ethical Considerations, Tobacco Control, Alcohol Control, Local Health Policy, Recruitment Strategies, Public Engagement, Data Quality, Data Reliability, Community Participation, Academic Podcast, Scientific Podcast, Us and Them