Dimensions of Civic Science

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Abstract
A civic scientist has been described by Neal Lane, former presidential science adviser, as one who “engages the public in a dialogue about science and society.” The concept of the civic scientist has received considerable attention nationally with the recent publication of a report on the subject by the National Science Board. But concepts and terms used in the literature and the press to characterize civic scientists and civic science have been ambiguous, if not conflicting. This article analyzes these recent articulations of the civic science concept, situating these ideas within the context of the existing science communication landscape.