Brooke Smith Named Broader Impacts Champion
The Center for Advancing Research in Society recognizes efforts in public engagement with science
What does the future hold for the connection between science and the public? Ask Brooke Smith. As director of public engagement with science at The Kavli Foundation, Brooke builds programs that support the vital connection between science and society and leads efforts in this area.
The Center for Advancing Research in Society (ARIS) has named her a 2021 Broader Impacts Champion, which honors individuals who have contributed significantly to the realization of the vision of broader impacts of scientific research. Broader Impacts Champions, as ARIS explains, are “tireless advocates for the impact of research in society.” The society describes Smith’s myriad contributions to this growing field:
Brooke is a catalytic leader culturing and weaving together the connective tissues that support lasting and meaningful exchange at the interface of science and society. Her work focuses on supporting those who will have a magnifying effect in their work to enable scientists to communicate and engage effectively.
Brooke has an unparalleled ability to make connections and embolden others with the extra energy needed to support them in advancing their own work and maximizing their contributions. Her energy and passion leveraged multiple philanthropic foundations to invest not only dollars but substantial and visible energy to the work. Brooke brings a grace and humility to her work that empowers others to charge ahead.
I was honored and humbled when I learned that I am receiving the Advancing Research Impact in Society Broader Impacts Champion award this year. It’s a pleasure to work with and for those who are pioneers and real champions in engaging the public in science public, and a privilege to think big and move the field forward with the community.
Brooke Smith
Smith’s fellow 2021 Broader Impacts Champions are Kei Koizumi from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Alan Leshner, former CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).