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Melanie Roberts
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Project title: What organizational models best promote the utilization of university-generated knowledge by society?Policy makers and the public trust that investments in university research will lead to economic growth and solutions to enormous societal needs such as energy independence. There is no doubt that universities have made significant contributions to society, but is it possible to do even more? This question motivated Roberts to return to academia—after two years in the federal government—to study how to better utilize university-generated knowledge for societal needs. As a visiting postdoctoral fellow at the CIRES Center for Science and Technology Policy Research, she is exploring several different research questions related to this topic. Whether and how do scientists and engineers communicate their research results to potential users? What is the effectiveness of different knowledge transfer mechanisms—such as extension offices, engaged research, and open innovation—to harness university-generated knowledge for societal needs? Roberts is also co-designing a participatory ethics course to help scientists and engineers better connect expert knowledge with local and global sustainability projects. Prior to her CIRES fellowship, Roberts was an AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow in the office of Senator Jeff Bingaman (2006-07) and in the Division of Social and Economic Sciences at the National Science Foundation (2007-08). In these positions, she took a lead role several initiatives related to policy for innovation and competitiveness, science and technology advice for Congress, regulatory policy, interdisciplinary and transformative research, and ethics education policy. Roberts completed her Ph.D. in neurobiology and behavior from the University of Washington in 2005. While at UW, she founded both the Biocareers Seminar Series and the Forum on Science Ethics and Policy, an interdisciplinary organization that promotes dialogue about the role of science in society among scholars, the public, and policy makers. Office: 1333 Grandview Avenue |
