Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences Chair Oscar Schofield and Professor Kay Bidle were honored at the Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS) 2026 Summit, “Impact by Design,” which took place from March 30 to April 1, according to an April 15 announcement.
The recognition highlights efforts by faculty members to advance the societal impact of scientific research. The awards reflect ongoing work within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, which aims to address challenges such as climate change and sustainability through research, education, and engagement while respecting diverse communities, according to the official website.
Schofield received the Enduring Achievement Award for a career marked by integrating research with outreach. His initiatives include leading marine training programs for educators, collaborating with the U.S. Coast Guard on rescue modeling projects, and working with Rutgers SEBS Science in Action group on documentary films that promote science literacy. With this award, Schofield joins previous recipients such as Nalini M. Nadkarni from University of Utah.
Bidle was presented with the Impact Innovations Award for his leadership in developing new strategies that increase societal impact through science communication. He was recognized for his work on the Tools of Science educational video series—a project designed to communicate scientific methods like modeling and sampling as well as concepts such as collaboration and creativity. The series is intended for students and educators and aligns with U.S. Next Generation Science Standards.
Bidle collaborated on this project with Rutgers colleagues Janice McDonnell (SEBS Associate Dean of Research Impact) and Kim Thamatrakoln (Associate Professor). Previous winners include Zooniverse, MinuteEarth, and Teen Science Cafe Network.
In his acceptance remarks, Schofield said: “allow[ing] me to elevate efforts to increase wider understanding of why the ocean is critical to all of humanity and that doing/learning about science is fun, creative, and important….Communities such as ARIS are so important, I thank the broad community of ocean communicators and science translators.”
The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences promotes diversity and inclusion while addressing social injustices according to its official website. It features an intimate campus environment conducive to learning within Rutgers University according to its official website, is affiliated with both Rutgers University—one of America’s oldest institutions—and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station established in 1880 according to its official website. The school extends outreach beyond New Jersey by addressing global issues like resource sustainability according to its official website.
