SMD E/PO Forums

The Science Education and Public Outreach Forums (Forums) are teams of scientists, educators, and outreach professionals that are funded by NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD). The Forums work closely with SMD to support and coordinate the work of the SMD education and public outreach (E/PO) community.

The Forums began their activities in October 2009. Over their five-year effort, the Forums will:

  • Facilitate communication and collaboration among current and potential SMD-funded E/PO programs and providers
  • Identify a range of opportunities and a variety of strategies for scientists and others to participate in SMD E/PO programs
  • Support community members in enhancing their skills and knowledge as E/PO practitioners
  • Help community members respond to SMD and NASA E/PO requirements
  • Identify and leverage partnerships that enhance and broaden program impact
  • Analyze the portfolio of SMD E/PO products and activities
  • Develop thematic educational approaches that place E/PO activities in the context of SMD science
  • Help SMD place E/PO products and activities into an online one-stop portal
  • Integrate Division E/PO activities into SMD- and NASA-wide initiatives
  • Convene Working Groups in higher education, K-12 formal education, informal education, and outreach

Through these coordinated efforts, SMD is working to achieve coherence within its E/PO portfolio and more effective, sustainable, and efficient utilization of SMD science discoveries and learning experiences.

If you wish to learn more about the Forums or SMD E/PO, please contact the lead of the Forum that most closely aligns with the scientific theme of your research or educational program:

  • Astrophysics – Denise Smith, astroforum “at” stsci.edu
  • Earth Science – Theresa Schwerin, earthforum “at” strategies.org
  • Heliophysics – Laura Peticolas, helioforum “at” ssl.berkeley.edu
  • Planetary Science – Stephanie Shipp, planetaryforum “at” lpi.usra.edu