Daniel Dörler

Daniel Dörler is a Senior Scientist at the Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), where he has been employed since 2019. His academic background includes a doctorate in Natural Resources and Life Sciences from BOKU and studies in Biology/Zoology from the University of Vienna. He is a leading figure in the Austrian and European citizen science movement, with a focus on biodiversity, road ecology, and public engagement in science.

• Institution: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU)
• Department: Institute of Zoology
• Position: Senior Scientist (wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter)
• Email: daniel.doerler@boku.ac.at
• ORCID: 0000-0003-2056-4084

Daniel Dörler’s research interests center on citizen science, biodiversity monitoring, and ecological research, particularly in urban and road environments. He investigates the role of public participation in data collection for scientific research and conservation, with a focus on roadkill and amphibian populations. His work bridges ecology, social science, and science communication, emphasizing the transformative potential of citizen science for both science and society. He is deeply involved in methodological development, quality criteria, and the scalability of citizen science projects.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend towards the integration of technology, policy, and community engagement in citizen science. Works such as automated species detection for anurans, roadkill hotspot analysis, and the development of scalability toolkits highlight a move towards data-driven, policy-relevant, and ethically sound citizen science. The articles consistently focus on practical applications, project design, and the societal impact of participatory research, spanning sub-fields like conservation biology, bioacoustics, and science policy.

Daniel Dörler has received numerous scientific awards, reflecting his excellence in research, teaching, and public outreach:

• 2023: Ars Docendi Award for excellent teaching, Honorary Mention for the Roadkill project (EU Citizen Science Prize), and multiple awards for co-supervised Master’s theses.
• 2022: Sustainability Award from Austrian Federal Ministries.
• 2017: BOKU Sustainability Prize and recognition as a Pioneer of Open Innovation in Science.
• 2018: Nomination for the National Animal Welfare Prize.

Dörler is a principal investigator and project leader on numerous research grants from the European Commission, Austrian Science Fund (FWF), and national agencies. He is a key figure in the Citizen Science Network Austria and the platform "Österreich forscht." He frequently presents at international conferences, contributes to policy discussions, and mentors students. His collaborative work with Florian Heigl and others has established a robust network for citizen science in Austria and beyond.

Daniel Dörler is a core member of the Citizen Science Network Austria and leads multiple projects such as "Leading Lights," "STEM education," and "Explore Research from East to West in Austria." He is also deeply involved in the "Roadkill" project and the "AmphiBiom" initiative for amphibian conservation. His work fosters a collaborative environment that brings together researchers, citizens, and policymakers to address pressing environmental challenges.