Science outreach initiatives play a key role in increasing interest in and understanding of the molecular life sciences in our K-12 schools and in the broader public.  The Education and Professional Development Committee provides resources to encourage members of ASBMB to engage in outreach activities at all levels.  These ideas and tools are meant to help college or university faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and professional scientists to attract K-12 students to science and to provide current information about the scientific issues and legislative action affecting society.  The links to the left will take you to webpages with ideas for either K-12 or public outreach activities.

The National Science Foundation has recognized the need for grant applicants to include explicit statements of the “broader impacts” of their research.  This means that the proposed research should not only advance scientific understanding but the supported researcher should also promote teaching, training, and learning.  Thus science outreach is an important component of the Researcher/Educator’s job and can enhance his or her ability to obtain financial support.  Below is a link to an NSF document providing examples of activities that constitute the broader impacts of a funded NSF project:

NSF broader impacts guidelines and examples:

• Broader Impact Ideas