Civic Science Media: 2025 funding opportunity
Amidst declining public trust in science, civic science media offers a transformative approach to journalism. It moves beyond one-way information dissemination to foster multi-way conversations involving scientists, journalists, and the communities directly affected by scientific advancements. This collaborative model aims to make the public active shapers of the scientific narrative, addressing real-world challenges like climate change and public health.
The Center for Cooperative Media’s Civic Science Media Collaborations program is dedicated to catalyzing these vital partnerships. Building on insights from past initiatives and studies, the program funds projects designed to support and grow civic science media. Previous awardees, such as the Water Justice Media program and Planet Detroit's air quality project, have demonstrated the power of these collaborations in amplifying and addressing community-based scientific concerns.
Lessons from the 2023 awards have led to key improvements for the 2025 cycle. These include a clearer definition of civic science media, extended award periods (9-15 months) to foster deeper engagement, and enhanced coaching. The 2025 program will particularly focus on critical areas like Artificial Intelligence, Climate Science, and Neuroscience, aligning with the Rita Allen Foundation’s Civic Science cluster streams.
The ultimate vision is to cultivate a new ecosystem of journalism where the public actively participates in the scientific process. By supporting longer-term, inclusive collaborations, the civic science media awards strive to restore trust in science and forge more meaningful connections between scientists, journalists, and the communities they serve.
What is civic science media?
This video explains the core concepts of civic science media and its importance in today's world.
Want to know more?
Click the button below to read the FAQ and application criteria page.
Click here read the FAQ
GAME: Test your knowledge
Play our interactive game to see if you can identify examples of civic science media in action. This is a great way to understand the key characteristics that define these impactful collaborations.
Introduction
Welcome to "Is it civic science?" Test your understanding of civic science media and how it connects communities, scientists, and media makers to address shared challenges.
As defined: "Civic science media is created when journalists and other storytellers work intentionally with diverse community members and scientists to collaboratively address issues of shared interest."
How to play
- Read each scenario
- Decide if the example qualifies as civic science media
- Check your answer and explanation
- Track your score as you go!
Ready to collaborate?
If you're inspired to launch your own civic science media project and foster meaningful collaborations, we invite you to apply to the Civic Science Media Collaborations Program.
Click here to apply
The Civic Science Media program is generously supported by Rita Allen Foundation.