Speaker feature
Civic science: research that reflects the broader society
How can science become more inclusive, accessible, and meaningful to people from all walks of life? This pivotal question drove discussions on civic science at the recent Communicating Discovery Science Symposium, held in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Organised by Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST) and sponsored by the Kavli Foundation, the November symposium aimed to deepen understanding of effective public engagement with foundational, or discovery, science.
What is civic science?
Civic science moves beyond traditional models of communication where scientists simply disseminate facts to a passive public. Brooke Smith, Director of Science and Society at the Kavli Foundation, described it as an approach that invites the public to actively participate in shaping scientific inquiry and decision-making.
However, civic science is distinct from citizen science, as explained by Jeanne Garbarino, Executive Director of RockEDU Science Outreach at Rockefeller University. While citizen science involves public participation in data collection or research, civic science takes a broader approach. It fosters collaboration between scientists and communities to ensure that research aligns with societal needs, values, and priorities.
“Civic science makes science a public resource,” Garbarino noted, “not an abstract field reserved for the elite few.” This approach emphasises using science to address real-world challenges, such as climate change or healthcare while reflecting society’s diverse perspectives through inclusive dialogue.
The Civic Science Fellows Program
The Civic Science Fellows program, launched in 2020 by a coalition of organisations, including the Rita Allen Foundation, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, embodies this vision. The program seeks to create a future where science benefits everyone and is shaped by the public it serves.
The initiative supports a diverse cohort of fellows from fields such as science, media, and education, pairing them with host institutions to co-create projects that bridge scientific research and civic life. These projects address pressing issues like racial equity, climate change, and ethical artificial intelligence. Through tools such as data visualisation, policy briefs, and storytelling, fellows learn to apply science communication to real-world problems, fostering sustainable, systemic change.
Several Civic Science Fellows shared their experiences at the symposium.
Amml Hussein, a Civic Science Fellow and Professor at Boston University, emphasised how civic science empowers communities by making science more accessible and relevant to local issues. Her work focuses on building trust between scientists and the public through transformative data storytelling, tackling issues like vaccine hesitancy and food security. Hussein also highlighted her efforts to develop a graduate certificate program in civic science communication at Boston University, equipping students with practical skills to engage diverse audiences.
Alicia Johnson, Civic Science Fellow at the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University, discussed her work at the intersection of science and politics. Her fellowship focused on using genetically engineered bacteria to detect viruses in wastewater—an innovative technology with profound public health implications. Johnson underscored the importance of engaging historically marginalised communities to build trust in science, advocating for collaborative solutions that address historical injustices.
Melanie Brown, a former Civic Science Fellow and a science journalist with the BBC, shared her experience using storytelling to connect science with communities. She highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between academic institutions and the public through creative, accessible communication, emphasising the need for science to meet people where they are.
Challenges and opportunities
A recurring theme was the importance of education in fostering effective science communication. Speakers highlighted that integrating civic science into academic curricula could help students develop the skills needed to engage diverse audiences. As Hussein pointed out, science communication should not be confined to the lab or classroom. It should be about creating spaces where dialogue can flourish between scientists and the public.
Speakers also underscored the power of networks in advancing civic science. Connecting scientists, community leaders, and policymakers can amplify the impact of civic science initiatives. Mapping such networks could identify opportunities for collaboration and ensure that science reaches all segments of society.
One key challenge discussed was making discovery science, such as research on black holes or quantum mechanics, relevant to everyday life. However, this challenge presents an opportunity to creatively connect abstract concepts to societal values. For example, foundational discoveries that contributed to the development of COVID-19 vaccines illustrate how basic research can tangibly improve public health.
Speakers also acknowledged the difficulties of navigating uncomfortable conversations, particularly with communities that have historically distrusted science. Empathy, humility, and a willingness to acknowledge past mistakes are essential in building these bridges.
The discussions at the symposium underscored civic science’s potential to transform the relationship between science and society. By fostering inclusivity, addressing historical inequities, and focusing on real-world applications, civic science can reshape how research is communicated and integrated into public life.
As Garbarino aptly put it, “Civic science is about making science a tool for solving real-world problems while ensuring it reflects the values and priorities of all people.”
Former Civic Science Fellow Melanie Brown, Jeanne Garbarino, Executive Director of RockEDU Science Outreach at Rockefeller University, Amml Hussein, a Civic Science Fellow and a professor at Boston University, Alicia Johnson, Civic Science Fellow at the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University and (back) Brooke Smith, Director of Science and Society at the Kavli Foundation during a panel discussion on civic science at the Communicating Discovery Science Symposium.
Kate Belyi of the Rita Allen Foundation provided input to the discussion on civic science at the November Stellenbosch symposium.