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.
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.
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.