Supporting engaged ecologists: How universities can lead the way

Scientists at universities are often called upon to engage in a two-way dialogue with citizens and decision-makers. We argue that academic institutions have the power to solve the science-society divide by investing in sustained, formalized institutional structures to support public engagement. We identify five core institutional structure capabilities – (1) creating networks, (2) developing best practices, (3) convening stakeholders, (4) establishing incentives, and (5) facilitating regular evaluation – the importance of which can vary based on university priorities, culture, and resources. By developing university capacities to connect, train, support and reward public engagement, we can catalyze science-societal transformations.