Public Engagement with Neuroscience and Society: Conference Report and Vision for a National Informal Neuroscience Education Initiative

In January 2018 the NISE Network, in partnership with The Kavli Foundation, held a two-day strategic planning conference at The Franklin Institute to conceptualize a national informal science education initiative around brain science. Working with the Society for Neuroscience and other key stakeholders, the conference brought together a diverse group of museum professionals, scientists, social scientists, and other experts in informal science and neuroscience education to assess emerging issues in the field and identify needs and opportunities for outreach and engagement. 

This report provides an overview of key themes that emerged from the conference and outlines a collective vision to grow public engagement efforts in concert with the rapid advancement of neuroscience research. This vision is centered on empowering multiple and diverse audiences to experience, talk about, reflect on their personal and community connections with, and contribute to broad understanding of and thoughtful dialogue about STEM research and its applications. A full conference agenda and a list of participants are also included in the report.

Authors:

Jayatri Das, Franklin Institute; Elizabeth Kunz Kollmann, Museum of Science; Darrell Porcello, Children's Creativity Museum; Rae Ostman, Arizona State University, and Larry Bell, Museum of Science

Suggested Citation:

Das, J., Kollmann, E. K., Porcello, D., Ostman, R., and Larry Bell
(2018) Public Engagement with Neuroscience and Society: Conference Report and Vision for a National Informal Neuroscience Education Initiative, Philadelphia, PA: The Franklin Institute for the NISE Network, 25p.