Methods and tools for participatory sciences
The Mosaic - Methods and tools for participatory sciences service unit (Museum and Sorbonne University) offers support and digital tools for multiple research fields.
Attention
Following a serious cyberattack on our servers, some of our websites are currently unavailable for an indefinite period. Our teams are working flat out to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Our collection databases remain available for consultation.
Natural History Collections
- The Museum’s collections portal is once again accessible. Last updated: 01/04/2026
Documentary Collections
- Catalogue of archives, manuscripts, iconographic documents, works of art and Calames collection items
- Printed Works Catalogue
For any requests regarding access to the MNHN’s collections (loans, sampling, images, visits), please refer to the procedure outlined on the page for the collection relevant to your request.
What the service offers
You are a researcher member of the SU Alliance or outside ASU, you need datasets involving communities of contributors. We offer a range of services including advice, support, monitoring, building IT systems and sharing project management.
An innovative method of data productionMosaic promotes an original method of data co-production, based on sharing and interaction between participants, leading to both quality data and committed participants who become more skilled in the issues related to the data produced.
The support available from Mosaic ranges from co-design (or even conceptualisation for innovative projects) to the creation of participation sites (also accessible on smartphones), and includes data hosting and shared maintenance.
Who is mosaic for?
Mosaic supports researchers in all fields through partnerships: human and social sciences, ecology and environment, medical research, etc.
In 2020, several projects were set up
- Plages Vivantes, an observatory that aims to better understand the effects of global and local changes on maritime species, through the observation of fauna and flora and the sharing of ecological knowledge.
- VigieTerre, a project open to all that mobilises participants to better understand the geological diversity on French territory.
- BirdLab, a programme that takes the form of games. The aim is to observe the behaviour of birds on winter feeders, through a dynamic interface.