The Zooniverse Train-the-Trainer Program (ZTTP) is a global initiative designed to scale and deepen the impact of participatory science by building regional leadership. Developed by the Zooniverse team in collaboration with NA-ROAD and partners around the world, ZTTP trains and supports a new generation of Zooniverse Ambassadors—educators and researchers who are passionate about expanding access to real scientific research in their communities.
Click here for more information, to sign up as an Ambassador, and/or join our mailing list to stay in the loop.
Haga clic aquí para la versión en español.
Cliquez ici pour la version en français.
Zooniverse is the world’s largest platform for online participatory research, with nearly 3 million registered volunteers contributing to over 80 active projects across disciplines. From mapping kelp forests and identifying ancient texts to tracking wildlife and classifying galaxies, Zooniverse enables anyone, anywhere to help advance scientific knowledge. By empowering Ambassadors to lead localized training efforts, ZTTP creates a ripple effect—expanding the global reach of participatory research and aligning with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals around equitable access to quality education, decent work, and international collaboration.
ZTTP offers two distinct but complementary pathways for Ambassadors: Researcher Ambassadors and Educator Ambassadors. Researcher Ambassadors are trained to lead workshops that help scientists unlock the potential of their datasets by designing and launching Zooniverse projects. These workshops provide hands-on experience using the Zooniverse Project Builder platform, with guidance on best practices for community engagement, integrating machine learning, and sustaining volunteer participation.
Educator Ambassadors focus on equipping teachers, informal educators, and other facilitators with tools to integrate Zooniverse projects into classrooms, libraries, museums, community learning spaces, and more. By offering students and lifelong learners a direct role in real scientific research, these Ambassadors help demystify science and build local pathways for engagement.
Both types of Ambassadors receive structured training, adaptable workshop materials, and ongoing support to ensure success in their regional contexts.
Rooted in the shared purpose of One World, One Sky, the ZTTP reflects NA-ROAD’s commitment to using astronomy—and science more broadly—as tools for sustainable development, science diplomacy, and inclusive opportunity. Ambassadors begin with a virtual core training and then lead “Regional Multiplier Workshops” to train others across their networks. This scalable, community-centered approach fosters local innovation while advancing a shared global vision. Whether you’re an early-career researcher, an experienced educator, or a passionate science communicator, ZTTP offers a platform to make a meaningful impact.
Click here for more information, to sign up as an Ambassador, and/or join our mailing list.
Haga clic aquí para la versión en español.
Cliquez ici pour la version en français.