The article underscores the escalating significance of citizen science, particularly within the European context, and underscores the imperative for Ukrainian universities to harmonize their practices with European standards while actively participating in citizen science initiatives. Challenges, recommendations, and debates surrounding the role of citizen science are pivotal considerations for both academic and policy development in this field. This article delves into the central role of citizen science in the realm of open science, with a specific focus on the involvement of higher education institutions in Europe and the unique case of Ukraine. The primary objective is to evaluate the current state of citizen science awareness, implementation, and challenges in Ukrainian universities, drawing insights from European models. The research encompasses a comprehensive review of European recommendations, rankings, and initiatives, along with an analysis of the existing landscape in Ukrainian academic circles and the available platforms and projects for citizen science. Proposals for the further development of citizen science in Ukraine, such as the creation of a National Strategy for Citizen Science, the development of a roadmap for its implementation, the consideration of citizen science projects when evaluating the activity of universities, collaboration with citizens in scientific and pedagogical work, and the development of relevant academic disciplines, are presented.