Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder

Civic Engagement

Scientific knowledge becomes more effective when people can engage with scientific work directly. Science & Society expands participation through youth programs, community-based initiatives, and pathways that connect research with local challenges. These efforts enable individuals and communities to apply scientific thinking in ways that reflect local contexts and needs.

Key Initiatives

Our Future Is Science (OFIS)

A national, award-winning youth initiative connecting students with scientist-mentors through mentorship teams, leadership pathways, and a national educational campaign, enabling participants to apply scientific thinking to challenges in their communities.

Global Network for Community Science

An international effort advancing science embedded in local communities through the Global Network for Community Science and related work on how community-driven research informs environmental and social outcomes.

Community Science and Local Engagement

Programs connecting science to community challenges through Our Future Is Science (OFIS) Science Engagement Projects, OFIS community talks, and broader community science efforts linking scientific knowledge with lived experience.

Equitable AI: Multi-Stakeholder Engagement

Cross-sector engagement on artificial intelligence through A Blueprint for Equitable AI and related work bringing together technologists, policymakers, and civil society to examine how AI systems are designed and governed.

Informal STEM Learning and Youth Pathways

Work expanding access to science through informal education and workforce development, including on rising generations in STEM, outlining how community-based learning strengthens participation in science.

Community-Engaged Science and Academic Incentives

A collaboration advancing community-engaged research through the MA³ Challenge, alongside efforts to modernize academic reward systems and the announcement of MA³ Challenge awardees, connecting scientific practice with real-world impact by aligning research incentives with community-engaged work.