The "Citizen journalism for enhancement of regional development. Development of the interdisciplinary curricula and implementation of teaching innovations" project was a two-year research and teaching initiative funded by the Education System Development Fund. The project was closed in February 2024. It aimed to establish a new specialization in "Citizen Journalism" within the BA and MA studies of Polish philology at the University of Bielsko-Biala. Its implementation encompassed a wide range of activities within the broader socio-cultural environment. To ensure a comprehensive approach, the project team engaged with representatives from regional cultural institutions and national researchers specializing in citizen journalism. This collaborative effort fostered valuable insights and expertise.

To gain a deeper understanding of potential students' educational expectations, the project team conducted detailed surveys. These surveys provided crucial information to tailor the project's educational offerings effectively. Additionally, extensive promotional campaigns were undertaken to raise awareness about the project and its goals.

The project facilitated the exchange of experiences and expertise through two scientific conferences and consultative meetings. These gatherings brought together experts from the fields of media and communication, fostering a platform for valuable discussions and knowledge sharing.

Beyond the development of detailed study programs, the project produced educational materials available on the project’s homepage (“Portal Edukacyjny” ‘Educational Portal’ tap) that feature a series of 15 online lectures and a textbook (Dziennikarstwo obywatelskie. Podręcznik ‘Citizen journalism. A Handbook’), making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field. The open-access approach encourages the adoption of project findings in educational and teaching practices, promoting the advancement of citizen journalism education.

The project has fostered collaboration with the social environment through initiatives like the "Citizen Shorts" workshops for young people. These workshops have engaged the community and promoted citizen journalism among the younger generation.

The project benefited from the partnership with the Arctic University of Tromsø in Norway. This international collaboration brought together diverse perspectives and expertise, enriching the project's overall impact. Additionally, the project has established scientific cooperation with media researchers, further strengthening the research base in this area.