2017 - 2022

Higher education institutions and informal science education centers share a common interest in lowering the barriers that separate science and the public. These groups desire tools and strategies for developing mutually beneficial relationships to work together towards this common interest. In this Broader Impacts Design (BID) project, the Center developed and tested a conceptual framework to guide informal science education organizations, higher education institutions and other community-based partners in creating enduring partnerships that support public engagement with science. This framework includes recommendations for the structure and function of the partnerships, as well as tools and resources that enable these institutions to work together effectively.

The Center served as the research partner on this collaborative project developed, tested and provided a flexible framework that builds durable institutional relationships around a shared mission of connecting public audiences with the STEM research happening in their communities.

Informal Science Education Partners

• Pacific Science Center
• Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery
• Sciencenter

Higher Education Institution Partners

• University of Washington Bothell
• University of Wisconsin Madison
• Cornell University

Center Team: