2023-2024 Microgrant Recipients
Research!America, with support by the Rita Allen Foundation, has awarded microgrants of $1,000 to $4,000 to 21 graduate student and postdoc-led science policy groups from across the U.S. to initiate civic engagement and educational outreach activities in their communities.
The 2023-2024 Research!America Microgrant awards focus on creating a dialogue with public officials, local community leaders, and the public around issues of common concern. Grants will support high-impact in-person and virtual programming using methods including roundtable discussions, webinars, podcasts, data visualization projects, and community events. It will also provide opportunities for students interested in starting a local science policy group to receive up to two years of seed funding. In addition, microgrant group leaders will be invited to participate in a high-level science policy and advocacy course developed in partnership with the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB).
OSU Veterinary Public Health Club – Young Scientists Public Health Initiative
The Ohio State University Veterinary Public Health Club – The group’s goal is to start conversations about public health with students of all ages. They will be producing the “Young Scientists Public Health Initiative” which will partner with local science teachers to provide hands-on science activities to k-12 students. Follow them on Instagram at @vphcosu for more information.
Neuroscience Community Outreach Group – Brain Awareness Week Open House
The Neuroscience Community Outreach Group – The group’s goal is to demystify Neuroscience and STEM careers to encourage students to pursue these paths. They will be producing the “Brain Awareness Week Open House” which will host an open house-style reverse science fair to celebrate Brain Awareness Week and provide resources for k-12 students. Check out their Linktree for more information and follow them on Instagram (@ncog_uw).
Mentorship Opportunities for Research Engagement (MORE) – Scientists for Migrant Learning & Education (SMiLE!)
The Mentorship Opportunities for Research Engagement (MORE) – This group is passionate about introducing migrant children to different STEM career paths through interaction with Chicago community scientists. The event “Scientists for Migrant Learning & Education (SMiLE!)” will consist of a one-day symposium split into three parts including a speaker session, an activities session, and a lunch social for around 30 refugee children and families.
Science Policy Network Detroit – Science Fair with a Twist
The Science Policy Network Detroit – This group aims to advocate for science and evidence-based policies, provide science communication, career development opportunities, and encourage community efficacy. They will be hosting “Science Fair with a Twist” a reverse science fair where students and researchers from Wayne State University will be presenting their projects and high school students from the Detroit public school system will be invited to be the judges.
U of L Research Communications Group – Relaying Research
The UofL Research Communications Group – This group’s goal is to have research presented in a clear and conscience manner that makes it easier to comprehend. The project “Relaying Research” will be a four-part speaker and workshop series, a weekly research discussion, and a hackathon for innovative research communication.
Black Scientist Collective – Health Literacy Fair
The Black Scientist Collective – The group strives to support the success and wellbeing of Black and other under-represented scientists and healthcare professionals. This is done through personal, professional, social, academic, and community development. The “Health Literacy Fair” event will consist of three sessions tackling disparities within maternal health, chronic illness, and infectious diseases in marginalized communities. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@blackscientistcollective)
IMPACT Indiana (Initiative for Mobilizing Public health Advocacy, Care, and Translational research for Alzheimer’s Disease in Indiana) – IMPACT Indiana Initiative 2023-2024
The IMPACT Indiana (Initiative for Mobilizing Public health Advocacy, Care, and Translational research for Alzheimer’s Disease in Indiana) – The group’s overarching goal is to engage with Indiana lawmakers, community leaders, and community members in conversations about ongoing Alzheimer’s Disease Research. “IMPACT Indiana Initiative 2023-2024″ will host a half-day symposium to address research, policy, caregiving, and drug development for Alzheimer’s Disease.
NYUGSOM-SciPol – Scientists for Society
The NYUGSOM-SciPol – This group aims to bring scientists together to raise awareness and knowledge of science policy and diplomacy within trainees. The “Scientists for Society” event will consist of a workshop series to enhance participants’ scientific communication skills enabling them to effectively communicate scientific phenomenon to the public and policymakers. Learn more on their website.
Stars Over Streetlights – Lighting Up Minds, Dimming the Skies
The Stars Over Streetlights – With a focus on elementary school students and minority communities, the group has a goal of raising awareness of the adverse effects of light pollution. “Lighting Up Minds, Dimming the Skies” will host astronomy talks at elementary schools to introduce concepts of light pollution, its effects and its connection to astronomy.
Science Unlocked – Science Unlocked: Engaging incarcerated youth in science via hands-on laboratory experiments
The Science Unlocked – This group’s goal is to better engage incarcerated youth with science courses by providing hands-on science labs. “Science Unlocked: Engaging incarcerated youth in science via hands-on laboratory experiments” will develop and execute hands-on science experiments to supplement curriculum from YSC.
Kentucky Advocates for Science Policy and Research (KASPR, University of Kentucky)/Science Policy & Outreach Group (SPOG, University of Louisville) – Building Bridges Symposium: Fostering Understanding Between Lawmakers and the Scientific Community in Kentucky
The Kentucky Advocates for Science Policy and Research (KASPR, University of Kentucky)/Science Policy & Outreach Group (SPOG, University of Louisville) – This group’s goal is to expose law makers to ongoing scientific research within Kentucky. “Building Bridges Symposium: Fostering Understanding Between Lawmakers and the Scientific Community in Kentucky” will host a research symposium at the Kentucky state capital to present active research projects. Learn more on their website and follow them on Twitter (@SPOG_UofL) and Instagram (@ spog_uofl)
American Physician Scientists Association – Stony Brook University Local Chapter Policy Working Group – Public Option Policy for Scientists (POP Scientists)
The American Physician Scientists Association – Stony Brook University Local Chapter Policy Working Group – The group’s goal is to support clinicians in training who are interested in pursuing research and scientists who are interested in translating their work to a clinical setting. “Public Option Policy for Scientists (POP Scientists)” will develop a digital advocacy toolkit and a workshop to develop the skills necessary to participate in advocacy efforts.
Landscape Ecology and Sustainability Lab – Desert Golf Course Design: Harmonizing Diverse Views to Promote Multiple Ecosystem Services
The Landscape Ecology and Sustainability Lab – The goal of this group is focused on understanding and improving the relationship among landscape patterns, ecosystem services, and human wellbeing for achieving reginal sustainability. “Desert Golf Course Design: Harmonizing Diverse Views to Promote Multiple Ecosystem Services” will host a round table discussion with city planners to discuss golf course sustainability.
ComSciCon Houston – ComSciCon Houston 2024
The ComSciCon Houston – This group’s goal is to provide an opportunity for Texas graduate students to hone their communication skills and interact with science communicators across multiple fields. “ComSciCon Houston 2024” will host a daylong conference consisting of a panel discussion, a “pop talk” session, a create-a-thon workshop, and a keynote speaker. Learn more on their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter (@ComSciConHou), and Linkedin.
Science Policy Group at UCLA – Community Voices on AI
The Science Policy Group at UCLA – This group’s goal is to interact with issues at the intersection of science, policy, and society to address and advocate for critical issues related to science, health, technology, and the environment. “Community Voices on AI” will host a multipart event about AI including panel and town hall sessions followed by a workshop report of the event. Learn more on their website and follow them on Twitter (@scipolucla) and Instagram (@scipolucla).
Community Overdose Response and Recovery Effort (CORRE) – CORRE Talks
The Community Overdose Response and Recovery Effort (CORRE) – This group aims to educate their community about opioid overdoses and provide resources and tools necessary to respond. “CORRE Talks” will create, promote, and distribute digital modules on overdose response and recovery.
Innovative Collaboratory for Advancing Research with the Underserved and Stigmatized (iCARUS) – HIV, Mental Health, and Aging Community Roundtables
The Innovative Collaboratory for Advancing Research with the Underserved and Stigmatized (iCARUS) – This group’s goal is to improve mental health treatment for marginalized groups by combining behavioral and biomedical research. “HIV, Mental Health, and Aging Community Roundtables” will consist of two community roundtable discussions focused on including individuals with HIV in research, the meaning of community based participatory research, and how the group can better address research mistrust within the community.
Cal Poly Pomona – ‘Huron the Beautiful’ – Cal Poly Pomona x ‘Huron the Beautiful’
The Cal Poly Pomona – Through community dialogue the group’s goal is to highlight to the people of Huron how to incorporate sustainable practices within their town. “Huron the Beautiful’ – Cal Poly Pomona x ‘Huron the Beautiful’” will host climate resiliency workshops in Huron including streetside rainwater collection, a residential rainwater system, and a native garden workshop.
Knowing Neurons – Neuro Insight on Science Policy
The Knowing Neurons – The group’s goal is to make scientific material accessible to audiences without needing to decipher scientific text. “Neuro Insight on Science Policy” will host discussions on research papers by their authors on topics such as global mental health diplomacy, pupil biofeedback, and cutting-edge neuroimaging.
West Virginia Local Science Engagement Network – West Virginia Local Science Engagement Network Startup West Virginia Local Science Engagement Network Startup
West Virginia Local Science Engagement Network – The group seeks to improve the quality of life for West Virginians by fostering collaborations and connections between scientists and communities. “West Virginia Local Science Engagement Network Startup West Virginia Local Science Engagement Network Startup” will host a Civic Science 101 webinar, science communication training, and a how to communicate with civic leaders workshop. To learn more, check out their website and follow them on Twitter (@WVLSEN) and Instagram (@WVLSEN), and LinkedIn.
NSPN Science Diplomacy Committee – SciDip Roadshow: Creating Science Diplomacy Connections and Dialogues Across the Country
NSPN Science Diplomacy Committee – The group aims to develop science diplomacy training resources, to create opportunities to learn about science diplomacy, and to provide a space for early career scientists interested in science diplomacy. “SciDip Roadshow: Creating Science Diplomacy Connections and Dialogues Across the Country” will host a series of in person meet-up events consisting of science policy panels, consular visits, and informal “coffee chat with a diplomat” meet-ups.