Kevin C. Elliott, professor of philosophy and member of the Lyman Briggs College Science and Society faculty group, was promoted to Red Cedar Distinguished Professor on March 1, 2025. This title is awarded by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation and the Office of the Provost and is intended to recognize outstanding faculty who enhance the stature of MSU’s intellectual work to national and global prominence. 

Elliott is jointly appointed in the Lyman Briggs College and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and has a courtesy appointment in the Department of Philosophy. He is an internationally recognized philosopher of science and practical ethics, particularly known for exploring how ethical and social values can and should inform scientific research.  

Elliott is a leading scholar in the field of science and values, playing a significant role in shaping its theoretical framework. His scholarship addresses ethical and social values in science, including topics such as open science, conflicts of interest, environmental policy, diversity in science, public participation in science, and science communication. Elliott has authored four books, co-edited two others (with two more under contract), published over 100 articles and book chapters, and edited eight special sections or issues of scientific journals. His research has also been supported by multiple grants from the National Science Foundation.