Mapping the landscape of training initiatives for scientists in public engagement
In late 2022, in partnership with the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation and Research!America, we launched an in-depth mapping of the public engagement training initiatives in the United States and beyond. In December 2023, the inaugural report was published to offer the initial overview of the diversity and scope of training initiatives enhancing public engagement for scientists. Notably, the report included the first interactive dashboard called TISPE to provide a dynamic window into the rapidly developing field of training in public engagement. Together, the report and dashboard are designed to inspire new discussions, connections, and collaborations that further strengthen the ecosystem of public engagement training for scientists. Watch the launch of the report and dashboard.
Foreword from Research!America and the Lasker Foundation
This project grew out of a long-standing belief shared by the Lasker Foundation and Research!America that the science community must take steps to modernize its relationship with the public and that a critical way forward is to train scientists in the skills needed for effective public engagement. Embarking on the landscape project in late 2022, we were further motivated by surveys showing a decline in the public’s trust in scientists. We were aware of various training initiatives, but how common were these opportunities? What content was being offered, where was it taking place, and who was participating? Getting our collective arms around the current state of training in public engagement is a necessary step in building greater support for civic science across academia. This includes gaining insights into the roles played by key partners in philanthropy, government, and scientific societies. (Read More)
Publications
- Muindi, FJ. Visualizing the 2018-22 civic science entrepreneurship program for early career researchers. Figshare, 2025.
- Muindi, FJ. Visualizing the Lewenstein and Baram-Tsabari framework for organizing science communication trainings. Figshare, 2025.
- Research!America. Recommended strategies to integrate public engagement and civic science training into graduate STEMM education (2024)
- Muindi, FJ & Luray, J. Visualizing the Landscape of Training Initiatives for Scientists in Public Engagement in the United States. Research!America, 2023.
Voices of training program leaders (watch/listen to them all here #tispedashboard)
Annual Panel Discussions
Each year, we partner with organizations to host a panel discussion to bring together leaders of training programs to share the lessons they are learning from their programs. You can access those conversations below:
Past and current sponsors
