We did it! Thank you, from all of us at the UMMNH, for the generosity you demonstrate on a daily basis and especially on days like today.

Even though Giving Tuesday is over, you can continue to support the UMMNH. Visit our main online giving site.

As the value of science and scientific research is increasingly challenged, science communication, often shortened to SciComm, is more important than ever. At the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (UMMNH), we are in a unique position: we provide a public face to U-M scientific research. That means that we have the opportunity to bring together experts and resources from U-M and the greater Michigan science community to tackle key SciComm issues, like public trust in science, access to research findings, and how we talk about sensitive topics.

Next year, UMMNH plans to host a SciComm Community Convening involving local community partners, researchers, science journalists, and more. At the Convening, attendees will identify resources, needs, and connections through interactive discussions and activity sessions, then put findings into practice through a SciComm Community network.

We need your help to make sure this is as successful and inclusive as possible. The project funds raised will ensure that we can bring a variety of voices to the table, including a special pre-Convening preparation session for 50+ U-M undergraduates.

The next generation of science communicators needs a seat at the table—we can’t responsibly have this conversation without them! However, many of them have never participated in these types of strategic discussions before. The pre-Convening preparation session will equip them with language and background information that will boost their ability to work alongside researchers, experts, and community leaders. Together, we will identify ways to address the most pressing issues in SciComm today and in the future.

WHY GIVE?

The U-M Museum of Natural History is an expert in inspiring curiosity with exhibits that explore the natural world. Now, as the public ‘Portal to U-M’s Achievements in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine), we are broadening our impact by creating opportunities to communicate about science, U-M scientists, and the research they are leading with other teams across the world.

Support on Giving Tuesday will provide the necessary funding to bring science-minded Michigan students to our inaugural Community Convening and help UMMNH achieve its goal of engaging a wide range of voices in conversation about the best approaches to science communication with the public.

Help us meet our goal and support 50 U-M students’ participation at this crucial event.

The Regents of the University of Michigan has 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt status. Federal tax ID number: 38-6006309