Book Review: Scientists, Experts, and Civic Engagement: Walking a Fine Line

Academic scholars often step out of their academic circles and into the civic arena. Some do this on their own volition, others are asked to step into the civic arena by colleagues, administrators or members of their community. However, the boundary line between academics and civics is not well defined, nor are the consequences. Crossing the line from academic circles or “silos” into the civic arena is called “academic public engagement.”

Academic training does not, per se, address civic engagement, nor does the academic promotion system reward civic engagement. Amy E. Lesen has edited a book that addresses many questions dealing with “how scientists, scholars, and other experts engage with the general public and with the communities affected by their work or residing in their sites of study.” The book clearly contributes to the growing body of scholarship and discussion about academic civic engagement. This book is relevant to “experts” (researchers, scholars, scientists, academics) thinking about civic engagement, and those who rely on the experts for information (e.g., community organizations, politicians, managers, administrators).