1. SciLinkr.com iSuperSeed 2018
The Platform for
Public Engagement with Science

2. It is hard to connect to the public that needs us most
The weak link:
Distance
Not knowing anyone in that school (no response from overworked teachers)
Not sure what they’d like or be open to
Activation energy is so much greater than connecting with a school you already work with (or have a personal connection with)
Resource to individual investigators for preparing Broader Impact portion of grants and implementing best practices.

3. #thisiswhatascientistlookslike
SciLinkr.com will make it easier and more convenient to connect to the communities of need
#thisiswhatascientistlookslike

4. SciLinkr.com will connect scientists and engineers with the world and each other (to simplify outreach and mentoring)
This is the tinder meets linkedin part. The users enter their bio information. Scientist list their expertise, personal bio, experience in outreach, location, and teachers list their class age, demographics, scientific interests, backgrounds, location. Software makes matches. Users swipe left or right. Maybe you are looking for a high school chem class within a one hour commute…. Maybe the teacher wants a young, female, Spanish speaking engineer.

5. SciLinkr.com will also Record and track science public engagement
Help scientists and engineers get inspired about future public engagement and networking
Engagements are written records of the interaction. They have a DOI and are searchable and citable. Like a publication.

6. The MRSECs are critical for the roll-out plan
Official Launch:
With >200 scientists profiles, actively recruit public (focused on Boston and MRSEC-affiliated
teachers and museums)
End of NSF Support:
(>1000 profile goal)
NSF Funding started
August 2018
August 2020
November 2019
March 2019
Site opens for all Recruit scientists & engineers in MRSECs

7. What you can do to help?
Encourage your MRSEC members to create profiles in March
Document MRSEC-funded engagement that has already happened (like Cornell's Lending Library of Experiments -- thanks, Frank)
Encourage your MRSEC-funded Research Experiences for Teachers alumni to join the network (thanks, Cornell, Penn State, UCSB and others)
Report and track your future engagement through SciLinkr

8. Questions or Concerns? Email / Call
Brandeis MRSEC Education Director, Dr. Anique Olivier-Mason