Broader Impacts of Science on Society

Provides invaluable guidance on how scientists can communicate the societal benefits of their work to the public and funding agencies.

Bruce J. MacFadden (Author)

9781108421720, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 3 October 2019

320 pages, 149 b/w illus.
23.5 x 15.7 x 1.8 cm, 0.62 kg

'This work offers useful guidance for academics and research scientists who must write grant proposals … draws on nearly 50 years of experience as a research scientist and principal investigator who has written many successful grant proposals, and has published well over 200 articles. But the book is not just a blueprint for academics in science on how to gain funding or find the proper venue for publishing their work. Rather, it advises them on how to understand the impact that their research may have on society … This book shows how the concept [broader impacts] is relevant to STEM fields today, shedding light on how professionals can acknowledge societal needs by incorporating in their proposals information about how their research will impact a larger audience. The book is for professionals and academics pursuing careers in the sciences.' J. S. Schwartz, Choice

How do scientists impact society in the twenty-first century? Many scientists are increasingly interested in the impact that their research will have on the public. Scientists likewise must answer the question above when applying for funding from government agencies, particularly as part of the 'Broader Impacts' criterion of proposals to the US National Science Foundation. This book equips scientists in all disciplines to do just that, by providing an overview of the origins, history, rationale, examples, and case studies of broader impacts, primarily drawn from the author's experiences over the past five decades. Beyond including theory and evidence, it serves as a 'how to' guide for best practices for scientists. Although this book primarily uses examples from the NSF, the themes and best practices are applicable to scientists and applications around the world where funding also requires impacts and activities that benefit society.

Preface
1. Introduction – science, STEM, and society
2. NSF and broader impacts
3. Innovation, opportunity, and integration
4. Communication and dissemination
5. Promoting yourself and optimizing impact
6. Collaboration, authorship, and networks
7. Strategic versus curiosity science
8. Know your audience
9. Diversity, equity, and inclusion
10. Mentoring and role models
11. Formal K–12 education and partners
12. Higher education
13. Informal STEM learning in Museums and beyond
14. Public participation and community (citizen) science
15. Computers and cyber impacts
16. Developing a broader impacts plan
17. Project management and sustainability
18. Were you successful? – evaluation and metrics
19. Wrap-up, the future, and broader impacts 3.0
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Other technologies & applied sciences [TT], Environmental science, engineering & technology [TQ], Earth sciences [RB], Biology, life sciences [PS], Impact of science & technology on society [PDR], Science funding & policy [PDK]