Abstract :

Citizen science is a novel approach, to harness the power of global citizens,

in the endeavor of answering scientific questions which are difficult to tackle with computer algorithms.  I have applied the approach of citizen

science in the field of Astrophysics to discover special and very rare systems

called gravitational lenses. Gravitational lenses allow us to study dark matter

and dark energy, the two most dominant components of our Universe and thus,

dictate the fate of our Universe.  Citizen science approach has often been

disregarded as a rigorous means of doing science.  In my talk, I will present a

scientifically sound method to analyze data obtained from citizen science and

present its successful application to gravitational lens systems. I will also discuss my interests in understanding the impact of citizen science on the society and my ideas about applying this approach to other areas such as sustainability.