This grant supports an initiative by Pioneer Works (PW), a thriving, multi-disciplinary cultural center in Red Hook, Brooklyn, to launch Broadcast 2.0, an online magazine across media and disciplines with science as a foundational pillar. PW’s initial effort, The Broadcast, reached more than 400,000 readers and more than 2.5 million views on their YouTube channel. This grant will allow PW to improve and relaunch The Broadcast. Planned new content features will include a Scientific Controversies series, in which Janna Levin interviews two leading scientists about their latest work; Author Talks (about new science books); Science and Society (environment); and a new literature vertical. PW will also launch an annual Broadcast print issue, host live programs tied to digital content, and develop strategic partnerships with other major media and social media organizations. Other funded activities include an ambitious marketing and social media campaign, a major build-out of their Science newsletter, the implementation of advanced user behavioral tracking, and development of a donation, subscription, and membership model to move the project toward independent financial sustainability.

The Internet of things (IoT) has transformed our lives and become an integral part of the home environment—estimates calculate there are now 75 billion connected devices worldwide, generating around 180 trillion gigabytes of data each year. That data includes personal and sensitive information that is constantly being compromised in various, largely hidden ways, leaving consumers exposed to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other violations. This grant supports efforts by Consumer Reports, led by Ben Moskowitz, to design a cybersecurity labeling system for IoT devices. Modeled on Nutrition Facts-like labels that allow consumers to compare products and make informed choices, the new labeling system would evaluate products and services based on how well, or how badly, they safeguard consumer privacy and security. Grant funds will allow Moskovitz’s team to continue testing the privacy and security of consumer IoT products, prototype a functional IoT security label, and conduct usability testing, consumer education, and other validation work to prepare for a successful launch of a national consumer IoT labeling scheme. The project promises to inform and empower consumers with immediate, clear, actionable insights while driving security-improving innovation.