Objective
To increase the awareness and support for family scientists’ engagement in public scholarship.
Background
Without appropriate dissemination efforts, important research findings may remain solely in academic journals without reaching the public. Grounded in a social justice perspective, we argue that family scientists are, and should be, on the frontlines of direct social change and activities related to broader impacts.
Method
In this call to action, we articulate the utility and praxis of public scholarship, or the production and dissemination of scientific knowledge for and with communities to create social change for the public good.
Results
Avenues to engaging in public scholarship as a means of disseminating family science research are presented. These avenues include collaborating with individuals who serve in complementary roles, hosting a research press conference to disseminate key findings, and writing for local outlets such as community newspapers. Mechanisms to implement (e.g., resources for developing press releases, infographics, or visual abstracts) and document (e.g., in promotion and tenure materials) these activities are outlined.
Conclusion
This information can help academic family scholars achieve broader impacts of their science activities that illustrate the relevance of family science research in people’s lives.
Implications
By shifting academic cultures and engaging in public scholarship, family scholars can increase their reach and contribute to the enfranchisement of marginalized populations, while also enhancing the visibility of findings, building their scholarly networks, and growing public support for family science.