FAQ

Persistent health disparities; a warming planet in crisis; the emergence of increasingly complex artificial intelligence; and technology that allows for precise gene editing—these are a few of the urgent areas where science holds profound promise for solutions and profound dangers. Unlocking the promise, mitigating threats, and navigating the complex societal implications of emerging science and technology requires broader engagement and deliberation about research priorities and practices, and how to manage its findings. Beyond immediate applications, a thriving ecosystem of discovery science also depends on strengthening bonds between science and technology, diverse communities, and democratic systems to create the seeds of new knowledge. 

Civic science is a growing field of study and area of practice committed to ensuring that all people can shape and benefit from science, technology, and innovation. As emerging science and technology advance rapidly, they raise questions that are not just technical but require tapping into a full array of tools—including tools from ethics, communication, community engagement, social science, and policy—as well as proximity to the people most affected to help frame problems and solutions. The civic science community is working across disciplines and sectors to meet the need for new language, approaches, relationships, knowledge, and action.

Civic Science Fellows are early-career leaders from diverse demographic, cultural, and professional backgrounds. They have expertise in disciplines relevant to civic science and are poised to work effectively across communities and stakeholders.

Civic Science Fellows come from diverse professional backgrounds, including (but not limited to) experience in biological, physical, or social science; math, technology, or engineering; media, journalism, communications, arts, or design; formal or informal science learning; science funding; community organizing; or public policy. Fellows are selected for their professional, academic, and/or lived experience relevant to civic science; their ability to engage people underrepresented in scientific fields and science outreach efforts, as relevant to the work they will be co-creating with their host organization; and their demonstrated commitment to addressing issues with innovative, inclusive, and promising approaches.

Embedded in networked organizations, typically for 18 months, Fellows co-create and pilot cutting-edge civic science projects—forging connections between science, technology, and civic life.

We welcome your interest in learning more and will be sharing information about future opportunities at civicsciencefellows.org.

To learn about future opportunities to become a Civic Science Fellow host partner, we invite you to sign up for our newsletter at civicsciencefellows.org.

For further information about the program, please reach out to civicscience@ritaallen.org.