Elyse L. Aurbach

Elyse Aurbach has established herself as a transformative leader in science communication and public engagement, serving as both co-founder of RELATE (Researchers Expanding Lay-Audience Teaching and Engagement) at the University of Michigan and Director of Public Engagement and Research Impacts at the university's Office of Research. Her journey from neuroscience researcher to science communication expert began with her PhD research on the neurobiological underpinnings of major depression, evolving into a career dedicated to bridging the gap between academia and the public. As RELATE's co-founder, she has trained approximately 175 graduate students and early career researchers through intensive summer workshops, pioneering a program structure that combines communications training with practical community engagement. Her influence extends beyond Michigan through her role as a Civic Science Fellow with the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, where she leads a multi-institutional project examining university support for public engagement and equity work. A former NSF Graduate Research Fellow and finalist for the AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science, Aurbach has revolutionized science communication training by emphasizing conversation over lecture, implementing this approach through partnerships with various university departments and organizations. Her current work focuses on modernizing scholarship and connecting infrastructure with policy to support impactful public engagement initiatives, while continuing to shape how researchers effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.