From Research to Community Engagement: Maya Fedeli’s Journey in Citizen Science
Maya Fedeli serves as a citizen science and communications officer for European research projects at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University. Driven by a deep belief in the power of shared experiences, she is passionate about connecting people with science and helping researchers amplify the impact of their work.
Maya Fedeli transitioned from the lab bench to an administrative role; however, her love of science has only grown with each new citizen science project she works on.
Vasilisa Gordeeva
Just a few years ago, however, Fedeli’s career looked very different. Like many aspiring academics, she was following the traditional path she had envisioned since she was a young scientist: a PhD, a postdoctoral position, and eventually a grant that put her on track to becoming an independent researcher.
Yet, a combination of timing, opportunity, and the willingness to embrace change led her in an entirely new direction, away from the lab bench.
How did you transition from research to science communication?
I was keen on science communication because of my experiences when I had my first child. I joined a large Facebook group in the Milan area, and it was a science-oriented group, with pediatricians and other professionals giving tips. I started advocating for vaccines because I had a PhD in immunology.
I found that being empathic and answering parents’ questions was the best way to open the channel of communication. I learned that the hard way from my experience and I felt that I was doing something good in saying, “You don’t need to worry. Vaccines are safe.”
Then, I was at home on my second maternity leave. When you stop working, sometimes you have the time to think about yourself and your career. I started thinking that I would like to pursue science communication professionally, but then I received a big grant for exploring the biological processes responsible for tumor escape mechanisms. How could I say no? So, I stayed for three years at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and when I finished, there was a new program at the university: a master’s in science communication. That’s when I said, “Okay, destiny is calling me.” I was already 40 with two kids, but it was something I wanted to invest in.
To complete my master’s, I needed to do a thesis or an internship project. I was offered work on citizen science projects and to help researchers build an infrastructure for these initiatives. I was the right person at the right time.
What kinds of citizen science projects do you help coordinate?
A core part of my role is helping researchers develop and implement citizen science initiatives that align with the field’s principles and best practices. I also contribute to grant proposals and communication strategies, helping teams think about how to engage with people meaningfully throughout the research process.
Because I have a research background, I can speak with scientists at a high level about their work. At the same time, I can help translate complex ideas into language that is accessible and relevant to broader audiences. I always say that I’m a translator. I also help organize courses for PhD students on citizen science, write newsletters showcasing projects, initiatives, papers, and so forth.
Citizen science requires a village. You need a multidisciplinary team, because every single project requires a lot of different expertise. Within my role, I do feel the connection with people. I love trying to “power up” the projects of the researchers. I help them approach the work as not just a way to collect data, but an opportunity to create with citizens, build trust, and involve them in the scientific process.
Because the university is affiliated with many biomedical projects, I think it’s even more important to listen to the patients and caregivers and have a back-and-forth dialogue. For instance, one of our projects involves crowdsourcing for shaping the future of cellular therapies for type 1 diabetes. We spoke with people with diabetes and they shared insights and helped shape the text and language of the surveys. Another initiative involved optimizing the citizen scientists’ experience online and in-person in sharing their perspectives on living with urinary incontinence or living with an ostomy bag.
How do research and citizen science projects complement each other?
I always like to use this metaphor because I’m Italian and we always talk about food. Citizen science is not like a pinch of salt that you can put on your research project. It must be one of the ingredients and add value to the work; otherwise, don’t, because not every project is suitable for citizen science. I really do believe that, at least in biomedical science, it’s difficult to have a project that is only built on citizen science.
I consider citizen science a research methodology more than an engagement initiative. It has characteristics of engagement, obviously, but still for me, it’s a research methodology with a strong scientific commitment and aim. So, it’s beautiful if you can just put a citizen science initiative inside your project and I think every scientist that I’ve worked with came out more satisfied, more focused on the pathology, on the condition, on the topic, showing that new ideas can emerge from interacting with people.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
