Mariette DiChristina, Dean of the College of Communication at Boston University, has been elected to the Rita Allen Foundation Board of Directors.

DiChristina, whose term begins immediately, is an internationally recognized science journalist and prominent advocate for science communication. She tirelessly promotes the importance of accessible and accurate science reporting and brings with her an impressive array of experience in science communication, leadership, and advocacy.

Before joining Boston University in 2019, DiChristina held the prestigious position of editor-in-chief and executive vice president of Scientific American. Her tenure at the publication was historic, as she became the first woman to lead the publication since its founding in 1845. Under her leadership, the editorial team achieved numerous accolades, including the National Magazine Award for General Excellence. She previously served as president of the National Association of Science Writers, where she championed the interests of science writers and facilitated discussions on the vital role of journalism in the scientific community. Her tenure as executive editor of Popular Science further solidified her reputation, earning her the distinction of Editor of the Year from the magazine’s publisher.

DiChristina’s commitment to education and mentorship is unwavering. She has served as an adjunct professor and visiting scholar at New York University’s Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, inspiring countless students and aspiring journalists. Her dedication to imparting her knowledge of science reporting and its significance in shaping public discourse is a testament to her passion for the field. 

“Mariette’s extensive background in science journalism and her dedication to advancing public understanding of science makes her a vital addition to our Board,” said Elizabeth Good Christopherson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Rita Allen Foundation. “Her leadership and innovative approach will help us catalyze new solutions to the challenges we face at the intersection of science and society, particularly today when informed public engagement is crucial.”

In addition to her role as dean, DiChristina is actively engaged in numerous initiatives that reflect her commitment to advancing science communication on a global scale. She co-chairs the Steering Group for the “Top 10 Emerging Technologies” for the World Economic Forum, a position that allows her to influence discussions on the technological innovations shaping our future. Additionally, she co-chairs the Standing Committee on Advancing Science Communication for the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and serves on various committees to enhance the quality and reach of science communication.

DiChristina shared, “Having long admired the innovative leadership of The Rita Allen Foundation in fostering the advance of science in ways that better serve humanity, I am both humbled and excited to join the board to help continue that important work.”

DiChristina’s contributions to science journalism and education were honored with a Distinguished Alumni Award from Boston University, a recognition that highlights her impactful work and influence in the field. Her extensive networks in academia, journalism, and global science initiatives position her to make significant contributions to the Rita Allen Foundation’s goals of advancing civic science and fostering collaborative solutions to pressing societal challenges. 

About the Rita Allen Foundation

The Rita Allen Foundation is a venture philanthropy organization that invests in transformative ideas in their earliest stages to leverage their growth and promote breakthrough solutions to significant problems. The Foundation is developing new investments, research, and coalitions to strengthen civic science as a growing field of study and practice committed to ensuring that all people shape and benefit from science, technology, and innovation. In addition, the Foundation invests in early-career biomedical scholars to do pioneering research, seeds innovative approaches to fostering informed civic engagement, and develops knowledge and networks to build the effectiveness of the philanthropic sector. The Foundation embraces learning through experimentation, network-weaving, bridge-building, and knowledge-sharing to advance the civic potential of diverse communities, philanthropy, science, and technology for the public good.