Thomas Asher is the senior director of research and global engagement at Columbia World Projects and a fellow of practice at Columbia’s Committee on Global Thought. He builds the networks — of civic leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers — that bring different fields of expertise into dialogue to advance responsive government, responsible technology, and inclusive cities. Much of his work is devoted to renewing democratic participation, including stewarding the Renewing Democratic Participation Network and taking a 2022–23 public-service leave to lead a whole-of-government effort to embed community engagement in federal policy.