National REEU-ECN: The FANH Scientists’ Network
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abstract
The National REEU-ECN is a 60-month standard grant project that features a Community of Practice with centralized network systems for REEU project directors and participants to interact, collaborate, and inform others about undergraduates’ experiential (research, education, and extension) programs in the food and agricultural sciences. The program objectives are to: 1) Establish a REEU Community of Practice; 2) Provide a national clearinghouse for REEU projects; 3) Create and maintain secure online spaces and listserv for REEU project directors and participants; 4) Bridge communication gaps between scientists and the public; 5) Create and maintain a public website to promote REEU programs; and 6) Co-organize the REEU PD meeting in collaboration with NIFA every 18–24 months. National REEU-ECN has secure web hosting services, storage, and advanced systems administration. Public interaction with REEU projects and participants occurs through multiple in-person and online activities. More than 550 REEU participants/year will gain agricultural and communication skills through a community of practice, science symposia, expanded science networks, and public forums that increase public understanding of science. The outcomes and impact include a national REEU Community of Practice, a digital clearinghouse, centralized networking services, secure online spaces, interagency symposia to bridge communication gaps between scientists and the public, and positive influences on public opinion of science.
