Purpose: The Journal of Citizen Science and Working Memory (JCSWM) is designed to promote public engagement in the scientific method by empowering libraries and other institutions to facilitate local workshops. These workshops teach selected patrons an institution-specific articulation of the scientific method and culminate in the submission of peer-reviewed research reports.

1. Application Process

1.1 Eligibility Requirements
Institutions eligible to apply for the JCSWM program include libraries, museums, educational institutions, and other community organizations dedicated to public education and engagement. Institutions must demonstrate the capacity to:

• Conduct workshops for local patrons.

• Provide facilitators with adequate training in the scientific method.

• Submit and post results on the NTARI backend peer-to-peer research site.

1.2 Application Submission
Applicants must provide:

1. A completed application form, available at www.ntari.org/jcswm.

2. A detailed examination of the scientific method from an epistemological perspective, including:

   • A step-by-step articulation of their proposed version of the scientific method.

   • The reasoning behind each step and its relevance to epistemology.

3. A proposed plan for teaching this method during the one-month workshop period.

4. A description of how patrons will be selected through a raffle or other randomized process.

1.3 Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Institutions must submit their applications at least three months prior to their intended workshop start date.

1.4 Review and Approval
Applications will be reviewed by the JCSWM Program Committee within 30 days of submission. Criteria for approval include:

• Clarity and rigor of the proposed version of the scientific method.

• Feasibility of the workshop plan.

• Institutional capacity to support patrons in completing their research.

2. Workshop Implementation Guidelines

2.1 Workshop Curriculum
Approved institutions must teach their version of the scientific method to patrons over a one-month period. Workshops should:

• Include at least four weekly sessions, each lasting 1-2 hours.

• Provide hands-on activities to help patrons apply each step of the method.

• Offer resources and guidance for independent research projects.

2.2 Patron Participation
Patrons selected through the raffle must commit to attending all workshop sessions and completing a research project. Institutions should ensure an equitable selection process and provide accommodations as needed.

2.3 Facilitator Responsibilities
Workshop facilitators are responsible for:

• Delivering the approved curriculum.

• Supporting patrons with research design and implementation.

• Collecting and reviewing research reports before submitting to JCSWM

3. Research Submission Guidelines

3.1 Research Report Requirements
At the conclusion of the workshop, patrons must submit a completed research report. Reports should:

• Follow the format provided by their institution.

• Clearly articulate the research question, methodology, findings, and conclusions.

• Be the original work of the patron 

• Patrons may only be formed into teams if the institute has articulated this in their plan

3.2 Submission Process
Institutions must compile all completed research reports and submit them to the JCSWM Program Committee within two weeks of the workshop’s conclusion. Reports must be submitted electronically through the NTARI backend at www.ntari.org/backend.

3.3 Peer-to-Peer Posting
Approved reports will be posted on the NTARI backend peer-to-peer research site. Reports must:

• Be free of sensitive personal information.

• Include the patron’s consent for publication

• Include the name of the institution where the research was conducted, including a point of contact for the institution

4. Compliance and Accountability

4.1 Program Monitoring
The JCSWM Program Committee reserves the right to:

• Monitor workshop sessions.

• Request progress updates from institutions.

• Conduct post-program evaluations with facilitators and patrons.

4.2 Reporting and Documentation
Institutions must:

• Maintain attendance records for workshops.

• Document all submitted research reports.

• Provide a final program report to the JCSWM Program Committee, summarizing the workshop’s outcomes.

4.3 Non-Compliance
Failure to adhere to these policies and guidelines may result in:

• Full or partial revocation of program funding

• Ineligibility to apply for future JCSWM programs.

5. Funding

5.1 Funding Allocation
Each approved workshop will receive $10,000 in funding. The funding will be distributed as follows:

• $1,000 to each of the five selected patrons to support their participation and research efforts.

• $5,000 to the hosting institution to cover workshop-related expenses, including facilitator fees, materials, and other operational costs.

5.2 Nonprofit Requirement
Only 501.c3 organizations and international equivalents are eligible to receive funding. Institutions must provide proof of nonprofit status as part of their application.

5.3 Funding Disbursement
Funding will be disbursed through an ACH transactions after the workshops end and complete work has been verified

5.4 Funding Shortages
In the event of funding shortages, approved institutions will be added to a funding queue in the order their applications are received. Funding will be distributed to queued institutions as resources become available. NTARI is not responsible for delays in funding workshops conducted without ACH schedule confirmation

6. Contact Information
For questions about the application process or program implementation, please contact the JCSWM Program Committee at info@ntari.org.