Dr Gareth Robinson from QCAP and Dr Hamza Shakeel from Queen's School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EEECS) have joined forces with Ciarán Hargey and the Market Development Association (MDA) to launch an exciting citizen science project called Smart City-zens. This collaborative initiative aims to empower underserved communities by equipping them with the tools and knowledge to address urban challenges such as pollution, biodiversity loss, climate change, and future food production.

The overarching objective of Smart City-zens is to foster (technologically) intelligent, innovative communities that have agency over their own data and actively contribute to the co-design and inclusive innovation process. The initial phase of the project focuses on The Market community, which is situated within the footprint of Smart Belfast. A group of young people aged 16 to 18 has been actively involved in co-creating and implementing a comprehensive "community sensing" programme across significant local sites, utilising affordable sensor technologies to gather data on issues crucial to residents' well-being.

By participating in the project, these young people qualify as Community Researchers, with the intention of growing the MDA’s capacity and contributing to activities related to The Market's Community Innovation Ecosystem. The aim is to empower the community to make informed decisions regarding innovation infrastructure and ultimately enhance the lives of its residents.

The project launched with an introductory session held on 5th July 2023, which was enthusiastically attended by over 20 young people from The Market. The session provided insights into the development of Smart Belfast, urban innovation, and the concept of citizen science. The subsequent first two workshops then took place the next day. Participants were provided with the social, economic, historical, and environmental context of The Market community during an immersive walkabout with Fionntán Hargey (MDA). Dr Hamza Shakeel introduced the group to sensors, the air quality index, and environmental data specific to Belfast—we also observed how much dangerous particulate matter is inhaled while vaping! Additionally, the Student Digital Champions from Queen's University Belfast offered valuable guidance on research ethics.

Looking ahead—the project is set to enter the next stage, where participants will conduct co-designed engagement workshops with other resident groups. This vital phase aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse environmental, health, and well-being challenges prevalent in the area. By collating this knowledge, the Smart City-zens project will be better equipped to facilitate targeted interventions that address the specific needs of The Market community.

Through the Smart City-zens project, The Market community is embarking on a transformative journey towards harnessing data-driven insights for the betterment of its residents. By empowering young people to actively engage in citizen science and inclusive innovation, this collaborative endeavour serves as a catalyst for positive change. It is envisaged that the project's outcomes will not only improve the lives of those within The Market community but also inspire similar initiatives in other communities, driving inclusive, community-led urban innovation.