What is the Urban ReLeaf Accelerator Programme?
The Urban ReLeaf Accelerator Programme is a structured capacity-building and replication initiative that helps cities harness the power of citizen science to drive greener, more resilient, and community-centered decisions. Building on the successes of six pilot cities, the programme equips local and regional governments with practical tools, proven methods, and expert support to tackle challenges such as greenspace planning, heat stress, and air pollution.
Who can participate in the Accelerator Programme?
Local and regional governments working on urban greening, climate adaptation, environmental monitoring and community engagement, regardless of their starting point with citizen science
Purpose and benefits of participating
The Accelerator Programme offers:
- Support and guidance for collecting and integrating citizen observations and environmental data into local governance and planning processes
- Interactive online and in-person sessions on citizen science tools and methods for real urban contexts
- A dynamic peer learning environment where cities and regions can exchange experiences and spark collaboration
- Showcase of your city’s work through EU-level visibility, helping build momentum, partnerships, and political support for your citizen science initiatives
Levels of Engagement
There are two levels of engagement in the Accelerator Programme. All interested cities and regions can begin as Accelerators,requiring lighter engagement and commitment. From these, 5 cities and regions will be selected as Frontrunners, receiving tailored workshops and deeper support.
Accelerators
This level supports early-stage cities exploring the potential of citizen science. Participants gain access to:
- Online info-sessions defining citizen science in decision-making and showcasing Urban ReLeaf case studies
- Recorded materials, guides, and webinars
- Knowledge exchange and collaboration with peer cities and regions
Expected time commitment: ~ 6 hrs
Frontrunners
A cohort of 5 selected cities and regions receives tailored support to apply specific Urban ReLeaf outputs. Ideal participants are cities ready to apply citizen science within ongoing projects focused on air quality, heat stress, or enhancing urban greenspaces.
These cities and regions participate in additional workshops:
- 2 – 3 online workshops to test and adapt the Urban ReLeaf tools and methods
- An in-person workshop aligned with a major EU event
- Peer learning, networking, and allied support for integrating citizen science into current workflows and policy processes
Expected time commitment: ~ 20 hours
Timeline of the programme
- Launch EOI – promoted online and at EU-level events. (December 2025)
- Info-session – Does citizen science makes sense for you? (Spring 2026)
- Info-session – Case studies: Air Quality (Spring 2026)
- Info-session – Case studies: Urban Greening (Spring 2026)
- Info-session – Case studies: Heat Stress (Spring 2026)
- Announcement of Frontrunners (April 2026)
- In-person workshop (June 2026)
- Frontrunners online workshops (Fall 2026)
Get Involved
We invite cities across Europe to join the Urban ReLeaf Accelerator Programme and become part of a growing movement shaping greener, more resilient urban futures.
Click the button below to fill out the expression of interest form: