ICAT Playdate — Broader Impacts for NSF CAREER Grants: How CENI Connects University Researchers and the Public

Many funding agencies now require impacts that extend beyond an academic audience to benefit broader society. ICAT's Center for Educational Networks and Impacts (CENI) collaborates with university researchers on grant-funded projects, including National Science Foundation CAREER grants, to develop and evaluate educational outreach initiatives that are mutually beneficial to researchers and the public. CENI leverages an established network of formal and informal educators from organizations such as preK-12 school districts, museums, and the Virginia Tech Science Festival to help faculty share their research with public audiences. Associate Director of Broader Impacts Dr. Chelsea Haines and Associate Director of Educational Networks Dr. Phyllis Newbill will share processes and support available to Virginia Tech researchers applying for NSF CAREER and other grants, and faculty partners will provide highlights from successfully funded NSF CAREER collaborations.