Reaching Beyond Academia
We advance academic scholarship and teaching by guiding it toward specific impact in the world.
The Program in Public Scholarship works to establish Arts & Sciences at Washington University as a leader in translating our work and its importance to a broader audience. We develop new platforms to share our scholarship and increase our impact in the public and private sectors. To this end, we explore the translation and promotion of our scholarship in all forms and formats; partnerships with local institutions and organizations; and the development of innovative courses, internships, certificates, and degrees.
We work one-on-one with scholars, collaborate with departments and other units on campus, and run regular workshops to increase the impact of Arts & Sciences research.
Sign up for Program in Public Scholarship emails to keep in touch.
Joanna Dee Das in The Conversation: "The problem with Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center isn’t the possibility of ‘Cats’"
When President Donald Trump announced that he was assuming control of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, he described the move as a triumph over “wokey” programming. He subsequently fired the 17 board members appointed by President Joe Biden and installed himself as chairman. Some critics have reacted to the move by suggesting Trump doesn’t understand art.
Rebecca Lester in Psyche: "My great-grandfather poisoned drinkers during Prohibition"
The day I learned my great-grandfather was a killer, certain aspects of my own life became clear to me, snapping into focus with an almost audible click. I grew up hearing that my great-grandfather had been a powerful man who was equal parts obstinate, harsh and unlikeable. But until that day, I had no idea he had also been capable of maiming and killing thousands of people without remorse. As horrific as that realisation was, it was also revelatory. It led me to reflect on the power of addiction and the toxicity of family secrets, what counts as poison and what counts as elixir, and whether and how redemption is possible, and for whom.
A Theory of Public Scholarly Impact
What scholars do in their research and teaching can benefit audiences beyond the academy. Whether we think about books that get widely read, essays that go viral, radio interviews shared between friends, or illuminating video appearances, scholarly work has many ways to make an impact with ripple effects that spread out farther than the campus or one’s discipline. This type of work can happen accidentally or spontaneously; but it can also become part of a scholar’s practice. And public scholarly work is increasingly recognized by institutions, professional associations, and funding agencies: For example, the National Science Foundation rewards projects that show broader impacts on society; the National Endowment for the Humanities dedicates extensive grant opportunities to public humanities projects; the American Sociological Association includes public engagement and communication in their organizational mission. Across disciplines, scholars can become versed and skilled in the arts of public impact, by learning how to focus and frame their expertise in ways that that can reach—and help—broad audiences.
A Signature Initiative
The Program in Public Scholarship is a signature initiative of the Arts & Sciences strategic plan.
Learn more about the plan