Check the outreach calendar to find out when the next event is!
Outreach & Public Engagement
Since the inception of the IGB, its slogan has been “where science meets society.” The outreach team supports the institute’s deep commitment to communicate its research with the public and promote scientific thinking to encourage a new diverse generation of scientists and science-informed citizens.
Community/Family Events
Art of Science
These art exhibits comprise images from IGB’s research portfolio, enhanced to highlight the beauty encountered daily in scientific endeavors. Explore the galleries below to see how the exhibit has evolved over the years.
Genome Day
This annual local open-house event teaches people of all ages about DNA, genomes, and evolution. Genome Day typically draws hundreds of people who enjoy an array of hands-on, child-friendly activities.
Gameday Genomics
These activities are a part of Illinois' official tailgate party at each home football game. Participants can engage in science-themed outdoor games and sports while they wait for the football game to begin.
Science at the Market
On select Saturdays each summer, IGB members offer hands-on science activities in a booth hosted by the Department of Physics at Urbana’s Market at the Square.
Science Café
This monthly seminar series offers engaging, easy to understand science presentations in an informal setting. Participants enjoy refreshments and an opportunity to learn more about the "why" behind research at the University of Illinois.
Science Stroll
These family-friendly events, offered in partnership with the Urbana Park District and local conservation-oriented groups, provide opportunities to learn more about our local wildlife and enjoy nature.
Trivia Night
Held once a semester at local breweries, this event brings together local trivia enthusiasts and tests their knowledge on science references in popular culture including music, books, movies, food, and drinks.
Vaccine Outreach
The IGB outreach team hosted forums at the local libraries and online to teach the community about the benefits and safety of vaccinations. The team also created fun social media posts to educate the public about COVID-19.
World of Genomics
The largest IGB outreach event, World of Genomics typically sees thousands of participants across multiple days. The participants can wander the many booths, activities, and games to learn about IGB research.
Art Lab
This workshop series offers community members with an interest in art, science, or both to explore the past and present of a scientific topic through the medium of a guided art project.
K-12 Education
Schools and Youth Club Visits
The IGB outreach team partners with local schools to provide engagement with scientists in the classroom and on field trips to the University of Illinois campus. Activities are developed in consultation with teachers based on curriculum needs and interests.
STEAM TRAIN
This program enables middle school students to conduct a research project on their topic of choice. The students are mentored by high school students from University Laboratory High School and IGB researchers.
Pollen Power Camp
First established in 2013, this week-long summer day camp offers children the opportunity to engage with campus science and learn about interactions between plants and pollinators through a series of hands-on activities, experiments, and crafts.
Mobile Science Learning Lab
Our mobile science learning lab program aims to deliver authentic, hands-on science experiences to students and communities around the region.
Professional Development
Genomics For
This program aims to teach basic concepts of biology and genomics to professionals so they are better equipped to deal with these topics. The program has catered to judges, lawyers, clinicians, journalists, police officers, and faith leaders.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
This citizen science program, launched in 2009, matches people who are over 50 years of age with researchers. The OLLI members, who have never had the opportunity to work in a lab, are trained to make meaningful contributions to research projects.
Professional Skills for Careers in Biosciences (PSCB)
This workshop series is intended for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to enhance their universal job skills, including communication, professionalism, marketing, budgeting, and leadership.
IGB’s Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
In partnership with several campus members, IGB is proud to offer several Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) that touch on subjects such the fundamental lessons in genes and biology, the emergence of life, and the intersection of genomics and the law.
Undergraduate Research Showcase
The Undergraduate Research Showcase is a platform to share work completed by undergraduates working in IGB-affiliated laboratories. The event aims to host those currently involved and hoping to get involved with research, to build up undergraduate engagement in genomics research.
Outreach Certificate Program
This program enables students and research trainees at the University of Illinois to formalize their science-related public engagement experiences and training by earning a certificate in science outreach.
Science and Technology Journalism
Offered through the Department of Journalism, a program designed for communicators, journalists, scientists, and other working professionals in the science and technology industries to upskill and gain specialized training to advance in their careers.
