How to help solve science mysteries
Article on Videnskab.dk on how the involvement of citizens in research projects help solving the mysteries of science and how scientists and the scientific results benefit from the interactions
In the article three scientists explain how they involve and benefit from interactions with citizens. And that the positive outcome is mutual.
Jacob Sherson, associate professor at Institute for Physics and Astronomy at Aarhus University explains how they created a video game, Quantum Moves, where the 
players find solutions for quantum particles to pass through a course. The most creative and best solutions by the players are then further investigated by the scientist. This way they know where to look instead of exploring all possible solutions.
Birger Lindberg Møller, professor in Plant Biochemistry at University of Copenhagen and Head of Center for Syntehtic Biology, collaborates with biohackers. Biohackers are citizens interrested in biology doing kitchen table experiments and DoItYourself-biology, e.g. building a homemade PCR machine. Birger is happy to supervise and guide but he also values their input and incorporates it in his own science. Example of collaboration here and here.
The third example is from The Museum of Bornholm where locals are helping with unique archaeological findings. Volunteering amatuer archeoligist get a chance to be involved in the projects and the museum benifits from the extra hands, says museun inspector Finn Ole Sonne Nielsen.
Links:
- Full article (in Danish): http://videnskab.dk/miljo-naturvidenskab/sadan-kan-du-hjaelpe-med-lose-forskningens-mysterier
- Quantum Moves - http://scienceathome.org/play-games/
- Bio-Hackers in Copenhagen: BiologiGaragen: http://biologigaragen.org/
- Bornholm Museum: http://www.bornholmsmuseum.dk/sekundaer-menu/forside.aspx