The primary purpose of the University of Wisconsin–Madison is to provide a learning environment in which faculty, staff and students can discover, examine critically, preserve and transmit the knowledge, wisdom and values that will help ensure the survival of this and future generations and improve the quality of life for all.
The Chemistry–Biology Interface Training Program is dedicated to discovery of knowledge and transmitting that knowledge to the public to improve the quality of life for all. We strongly encourage all of our participants, both faculty and students, to engage in science communication and outreach at UW and beyond.
Here we list opportunities for outreach and for training in science communication. This list will be updated frequently, and will include ongoing opportunities as well as one-time events.
Science Communication
Wisconsin Initiative for Science Literacy (WISL) program in communicating doctoral science to the public
The Department of Life Sciences Communication has a number of options for professional development in science communication, including a Ph.D minor or a transcriptable certificate.
Science Communication Lab has two short courses on science communication that are free, self-paced, and engaging: Share Your Research and Strategies for Effective Public Engagement. They also have a number of videos appropriate for sharing with everyone.
Outreach
Ongoing opportunities
STEM Fellows program Applications open September 15, 2024 for 2025 cohort of fellows.
Science Alliance–a UW community engaged in outreach. Sign up for the email list by sending an email to allianceall+subscribe@g-groups.wisc.edu. The weekly emails contain information about current outreach opportunities and community connections.
Schedule of annual campus outreach events
Family Science Nights–to sign up to receive information about events as they are scheduled, fill out a brief form here.
Current events
Activities for Community Outreach in STEM (ACORNS) Outreach events at two local community centers–weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Signup spreadsheet can be found here. Contact Eli Sofovich, Zach Lewis, Irene Stoutland, or Cara Jenkins for more information.
Necedah Virtual After-School Program–Tuesday afternoons (twice a month), 4:00–4:30 pm. Participants are 3rd–5th graders. You can sign up here, and the program organizer has created a STEM activity planning guide that you can access here.
Family Science Night at Waunakee Prairie Elementary–Nov. 5, 2025, 5:30–7:00 pm. If you would like more information or to sign up to present, fill out a form here.
Family Science Night at Kennedy Elementary–Dec. 4, 2025, 6:00–8:00 pm. If you would like more information or to sign up to present, fill out a form here.
Crestwood Explore Science Night at Crestwood Elementary–Feb. 3, 2026, 6:00–7:00 pm. Email Dustin Rubinstein if you would like to participate (contact Cara Jenkins for his email address.)
Family Science Night at Anana Elementary–Feb. 24, 2026, time TBA. If you would like more information or to sign up to present, fill out a form here.
Sugar Creek Imagination Fair at Sugar Creek Elementary (Verona)–March 10, 2026, 5:00–7:00 pm. If you would like more information or to sign up to present, fill out a form here.
Family Science Night at Marquette Elementary–March 10, 6:00–7:30. This event will include families from both Marquette and Lapham Elementary schools. If you would like more information or to sign up to present, fill out a form here.
Family Science Night at Emerson Elementary–March 12, 2026, 5:00–7:30. If you would like more information or to sign up to present, fill out a form here.
Family Science Night at Wingra School (Madison)–March 13, 2026, 5:30–7:30 pm. If you would like more information or to sign up to present, fill out a form here.