Broader Impacts of Science on Society

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.

'MacFadden has led an extensive life in science, as a paleontologist, museum director, university department chair, and National Science Foundation staff member. His analyses of NSF history and policy changes from the agency's 1952 start through 2018 - and of many successes and failures of his own - will be invaluable to anyone seeking research funds from this important government entity. The book focuses on explaining NSF's poorly understood Broader Impacts requirement, and it is especially needed now, when only about one in ten applications to NSF for funding are successful.' Bruce Alberts, University of California, San Francisco; former President of the National Academy of Sciences, 'An excellent, pragmatic guide to the philosophy and practice of articulating the many dimensions of broader impacts of science on society, from a highly respected and experienced paleontologist and former National Science Foundation Program Officer. Well-written and accessible, this worthwhile book provides clear and useful information and advice on planning, preparing, and executing activities that are motivated by the genuine spirit of achieving a broader societal impact beyond scientific research. As it becomes increasingly important for scientists to communicate more often and more effectively with non-scientists, Broader Impacts of Science on Society serves as an invaluable resource to all who seek to extend the reach of their specific scientific insights and expertise to the rest of the world.' Sandra J. Carlson, University of California, Davis; Past-President, The Paleontological Society, 'An accessible and practical book that models a reflective and informed approach to thinking about the impacts of scientific research on society. Those who design, study and evaluate broader impacts, communication and learning activities will find the examples, anecdotes and background information very relevant and useful. Having been on many sides of the audience equation, McFadden provides a holistic guide for enlightened, engaged scholarship and practice of broader impacts.' Jamie Bell, Project Director, Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education (CAISE), 'This book provides an in-depth look at all aspects of broader impacts. It is a resource for anyone interested in the historical development of broader impacts as well as those seeking to understand the complexity of the broader impacts criterion and how to effectively address it.' Susan Renoe, University of Missouri and the Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society, 'Overall this is an impressive book with great depth and breadth. The NSF emphasis will be of great value to those based in the USA and certainly I think of interest to the wider community of scientists, teachers and the science media at large around the world.' John R. Helliwell, Journal of Applied Crystallography

Bruce J. MacFadden is Distinguished Professor at the University of Florida. He has written 200 peer-reviewed publications and a book (Fossil Horses: Systematics, Paleobiology, and Evolution of the Family Equidae, Cambridge, 1992). He was Principal Investigator of fifty NSF grants totaling more than $35 million over the past five decades. Professor MacFadden is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Geological Society of America, and the Paleontological Society. He was President of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (1986–88) and President of the Paleontological Society (2018–20). A former NSF Progam Officer (2009–10), he teaches graduate seminars and provides professional development on Broader Impacts.