With Biophysics Week taking place later this month, March is well suited to announce a new initiative BPS is actively taking part in with the larger scientific community — the Society Civic Science Initiative. This initiative is a growing collaboration of more than 55 scientific organizations working in conjunction with each other to cultivate a culture of civic science. The initiative, led by the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) and in partnership with American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), American Geophysical Union (AGU), and Research!America, is being supported by a Civic Science Fellow funded by the Kavli Foundation.
As scientists, you know that many of the most complex and important problems we face — from climate change to antibiotic resistance to gene editing — require scientists to work with diverse stakeholders to find, discuss, and implement scientific insights and solutions. When these science-society relationships are strong, we see increased public interest in and support for science, the uptake of scientifically sound practices and policies, and the promise of a diverse and competent scientific workforce for years to come. Fortunately, many scientists already recognize the importance of engaging with diverse audiences, as evidenced by the commitment to science communication, advocacy, outreach, and public engagement by many scientists. These activities contribute to a culture of civic science, in which scientists are active citizens and create opportunities for all members of the public to engage with science.
The Initiative has developed a collective vision and set of goals for 2020 and beyond, including:
• Creating collaborative opportunities for scientific Societies to engage in effective civic science,
• Expanding incentives to increase scientists’ prioritization and engagement in civic science,
• Encouraging more university and institution support for scientists engaging in civic science, and
• Supporting increased frequency of contact and greater participation from the scientific community with policy makers and members of the public.
We believe this new collaboration will create valuable opportunities for scientists and the scientific community as a whole to advance a culture of civic science, in which societal needs and diverse perspectives shape science, and scientific discoveries inform public understanding, decisions and policies.