WE ARE A SCIENTIST-LED, MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM STRENGTHENING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN SCIENCE AND SOCIETY.
The Scientific Citizenship Initiative (SCi) equips scientists to work in partnership with communities and public institutions so science better serves society. We design civic science fellowships and training programs and collaborate with universities, research institutes, and community organizations to create initiatives that bring scientific expertise into public decision-making and advance a more inclusive, equitable approach to scientific discovery.
“THIS COURSE CHANGED MY LIFE AND THE WAY I THINK ABOUT RESEARCH AND HOW IT CAN BEST SERVE THE REST OF SOCIETY.”
─ STUDENT, SCIENCE COMMUNICATION FOR ETHICAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COURSE
OUR MISSION
The Scientific Citizenship Initiative puts science in service to society by preparing scientists to work alongside communities and civic institutions. Through fellowships, training, and partnerships, SCi advances solutions that are evidence-informed and responsive to public needs.
OUR VISION
SCi envisions a future where science and society work hand-in-hand to address our most pressing challenges, using scientific advancements in a way that is both ethical and impactful. We strive for a world where scientists are empowered to engage with communities, ensuring that scientific innovation is guided by societal values and needs. Through collaboration across institutions, we aim to build a more inclusive, equitable, and socially responsive scientific culture that drives meaningful improvements in the lives of all people.
We provide opportunities for scientists to serve communities and for communities to inform science.
We help organizations build new civic science initiatives from the ground up.
We design simulation-based curricula to teach scientists how to ethically engage with their communities.
We offer training workshops that equip scientists with tools for effective civic leadership and community engagement.
OUR WORKING PROCESS
SCi IS A PARTNER IN CREATING IMPACTFUL CIVIC SCIENCE PROGRAMS.
We begin by listening. We work with partners to identify civic needs, co-design programs that bring scientific expertise to public challenges, and iteratively test and refine those solutions. Our approach is collaborative, equity-centered, and focused on practical impact.
WHAT GUIDES US
AT SCi, WE ARE DRIVEN BY 5 CORE VALUES:
1. SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY
We believe that science is critical to society. Through discovery and understanding, science has the power to create a healthier and more just world.
2. CONNECTION
We recognize that the challenges we face must be solved collectively. Building connections within communities and across differences is essential. We approach our work with empathy, respect, dialogue, patience, and a commitment to ongoing self-awareness.
3. INNOVATION
We are committed to embracing radical new approaches to address age-old problems. This includes rethinking the rigor in how we train scientists, conduct research, and connect science with communities.
4. EQUITY, JUSTICE, AND LIBERATION
To create meaningful change, we must center equity, justice, and liberation in all that we do. We are dedicated to actively dismantling systems of oppression, removing barriers that prevent individuals from being their full selves, and building new, just systems in their place.
5. INTEGRITY
We hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards in everything we do. Our commitment to integrity guides our program evaluations, partnerships, and overall approach to advancing science that serves society.