Science and society: Powering people for environmental and social good

The general public today is more connected to science via science television and social media generated by highly educated, publicly supported scientists than ever before. But scientists, by transforming science voyeurs into citizen scientists, could do more than telling stories. They can deepen people’s understanding of science, empower them to shape future investigations, and enable them to become wise environmental stewards and decision-makers. Examples from our African ‘Scout Program’, ‘Bio Blitzes’, ‘‘Conservation Clubs’ and our American ‘Teachers as Scholars Program’ will show how direct participation in science enables diverse peoples to champion and democratize science.