A timely introduction to civic science and the collaborative future of research, public engagement, and democratic decision-making.Science shapes nearly every aspect of modern life, influencing public health, environmental policy, artificial intelligence, and countless other areas of society. Addressing today's most pressing scientific challenges depends on collaboration among scientists, policymakers, educators, community leaders, and the public. The Future of Science Is Civic argues that science is strongest when it is developed with communities rather than simply for them.Edited by Elizabeth Good Christopherson, Alondra Nelson, and Dietram A. Scheufele, this compelling collection introduces readers to the emerging field of civic science. Contributors from across disciplines examine how scientific research can better reflect public needs, strengthen democratic participation, and foster more equitable systems of knowledge creation. Through discussions of science communication, community-engaged research, STEM ethics, public policy, open science, and institutional change, the volume offers both a conceptual framework for civic science and practical examples of its application across diverse settings.As societies confront increasingly complex challenges—from climate change and public health crises to misinformation and rapidly evolving technologies—The Future of Science Is Civic provides a persuasive vision for how science and society can work together. An indispensable resource for students, researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers, this book demonstrates that building a more inclusive, responsive scientific enterprise is essential to the future of both science and democracy.
