Public Engagement
Social and behavioral science can only make a difference if the findings reach the public. Central in our campus strategic plan, The Next 150 Years, is public engagement at the local, state, national, and international level. The Center for Social & Behavioral Science (CSBS) is involved in several public engagement efforts aimed at not only bringing social and behavioral science to the public, but also learning from the public to enhance social and behavioral science.
Illinois Science Explorers
The Illinois Science Explorers (I-Sci Explorers) works with researchers to transform research ideas and findings into educational activities, materials, and curriculum for general audiences, including young children, in our community. Our goal is to reach the community with the science research being done on campus. Not only can we reach those in the community that would not normally have access to innovative STEAM education, but we can also break the barrier between campus and the public.
Policy & Research Legislative Fellows Program
The Policy & Research Legislative Fellows program matches graduate students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with state legislators representing Champaign-Urbana or a neighboring district to collaborate on research to inform public policy to help make Illinois a better place to live.
Partnerships for Evidence-based Public Policy
The PEPP program creates a bridge between research experts and the public by enabling mid-career faculty across the Illinois System to conduct year-long policy research projects with Illinois government partners. PEPP fellows form a cohort, participating in monthly trainings on topics such as the policy research lifecycle and policy communication, as well as networking and collaborative work.
Science & Society Initiative
The CSBS Science & Society Initiative provides support for social and behavioral scientists to communicate and connect with a wider audience, generate scientific and learning opportunities for communities outside the traditional academic realm, and ultimately, secure research funding.