Roles & Responsibilities of Scientists
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Engaged scientists — A New Social Contract for Science
Lubchenco is widely recognized for promoting the concept of ‘a social contract' (see link above) in which scientists have an obligation to do more than just discover new knowledge. In her American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Presidential Address, she proposed that scientists should also share this knowledge widely, engage with society and pursue not only curiosity-driven science but also knowledge that helps solve society’s most pressing problems (or actively support their colleagues and students who do so). In addition, all scientists should act with transparency, honesty and humility. Her AAAS Presidential Address received a rare standing ovation. |
Dr. Lubchenco receiving the Schneider Climate Communication Award, 2014
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As the 'post-truth world loomed in 2016 and beyond, Lubchenco laid out a roadmap for scientists to be more effective and helpful.
Engaged scientists — implementing the New Social Contract
Whole Scientists — a healthy work-life balance
Lubchenco believes in striving for a rich, balanced life. Not content with the options available to them in the 1970s, she and her husband pioneered a novel dual-career arrangement that enabled each to work in tenure-track positions part-time so both could be active teachers, researchers, and engaged parents at a time when decent daycare was non-existant.
Engaged scientists — implementing the New Social Contract
- Refining roles of professional scientific societies: The Sustainable Biosphere Initiative. In the late 1980s' Lubchenco led the Ecological Society of America on its journey of self-reflection to begin to understand, communicate, and prioritized the relevance of ecological science to society - to help provide the knowledge needed for a just, equitable, and sustainable world. The result was The Sustainable Biosphere Initiative, a reorientation of ESA’s focus and call-to-arms for ecologists for their broader engagement to help address societal challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, and sustainability. Lubchenco’s reflections on this effort 20 years later are here.
- Empowering Scientists: To facilitate scientists being more effective communicators and leaders, Lubchenco co-founded a number of organizations, including COMPASS, the Leopold Leadership Program, Climate Central, and PISCO.
- Making Progress: In the nearly 30 years since she proposed the New Social Contract ideas, individual scientists have risen to the challenge and become much more effective communicators and partners with society. They have been enabled and empowered by new organizations such as COMPASS and the Leopold Leadership Program. Yet, significant barriers within academia continue to prevent even more effective utility to society.
Whole Scientists — a healthy work-life balance
Lubchenco believes in striving for a rich, balanced life. Not content with the options available to them in the 1970s, she and her husband pioneered a novel dual-career arrangement that enabled each to work in tenure-track positions part-time so both could be active teachers, researchers, and engaged parents at a time when decent daycare was non-existant.
Three generations of the Lubchenco-Menge family exploring Oregon's rocky shores. Jule Gilfillan, Oregon Public Broadcasting.