NSF Materials Research Science And Engineering Centers (MRSEC) Opportunities

The National Science Foundation has released a new solicitation for the Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSEC) that contains opportunities for informal science educators to support, work, or partner with MRSECs. Partnership opportunities could include work such as: "Promotion of the integration of research and education, and development of effective education/outreach activities that are consistent with the center size, leverage participant expertise and interest, and address local and national needs” and "A center should pursue activities with proven impacts in improving scientific education. It may also experiment with novel approaches as appropriate." CAISE has been working with some MRSEC PIs and Directors of Education and Outreach to provide resources and support to help match informal STEM learning strategies with appropriate evaluation plans and activities. E-mail CAISE Project Director Jamie Bell for more information or visit http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2013/nsf13556/nsf13556.htm?WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.mc_ev=click for the full solicitation.