Powered by the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)

Community Science Framework

ASTC’s Community Science Framework can help science engagement practitioners and leaders better understand the diverse community science models and approaches currently in use. By developing a framework—rooted in attributes and outcomes—and documenting exemplary models, we hope to provide concrete strategies science and technology centers can use to build knowledge, skills, and other capacities as they adopt and adapt community science to local contexts. We also hope the framework provides overarching guidance on what can be funded, evaluated, replicated, and scaled.

Attributes and Outcomes in Community Science

Our framework describes a series of attributes and outcomes often present in community science work informed by a review of current literature, as well as existing models, approaches, and toolkits. ASTC’s community science team refined these principles through interviews and workshops with science engagement professionals who supplied further examples of community science work in action.  

Please note that while community science efforts must center community priorities, they do not necessarily need to exhibit all of the attributes and outcomes contained in ASTC’s Community Science Framework. 

To view the information, slide the toggle.