#SciCommMake—Frequently Asked Questions
What is #SciCommMake?
#SciCommMake is a unique program, organized by Sigma Xi and the Association of Science Communicators (ASC), to bring together interdisciplinary teams of scientists, artists, and science communicators. The teams compete for funding to create innovative projects that effectively and broadly communicate scientific evidence to the public.
Who is qualified to apply to the program?
Each cohort has a specific theme. Scientists whose work fits within the theme are encouraged to apply. Scientists should be at least at the graduate student level. Artists who work in any medium, and science communicators who work in any modality and who are willing to collaborate with scientists to produce work based on the cohort theme, are encouraged to apply.
What if my research doesn’t fit with the current cohort theme?
If your work does not fit within the current cohort theme, please consider applying for a later cohort. Please email us if you’d like to discuss your participation.
How are teams selected for this program?
Selected scientists and artists participate in a virtual matchmaking session to identify partners and develop a project concept. Teams are formed based on participants' ranked choices and complementary expertise.
Are meetings for this program virtual or in person?
Currently, matchmaking, coaching, and pitches are conducted virtually, but that may change in the future. Project presentations may be presented virtually or in person.
What kinds of projects are included in the program?
This program encourages the use of all artistic media. Projects may be written documents, public relations campaigns, social media projects, videos, animations, public art installations, leaflets, printouts on public materials (such as one project that printed information on prescription bags), or any number of additional creative endeavors appropriate to the cohort topic.
How are project proposals judged for funding awards?
Here are the standards by which the teams will be judged:
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Creativity: Is the project sufficiently unique to inspire and inform audiences?
- Feasibility: Can the project be completed within the time frame, budget, and skill set of the team members?
- Clarity: Did the team explain the design and goals of the project in a clear and understandable manner?
- Theme: Did the proposed project promote engagement with, or understanding of the cohort theme?
- Use of Research Evidence: Is the project clearly data-driven or informed by the science of science communication?
- Audience: Is the proposed project appropriate to the chosen audience? Does it advance efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusivity related to science?
What is the timeline for completed projects?
#SciCommMake operates over five months, with a three month term to complete projects.
Week 1: Accepted participants will be notified. Applications will be evaluated based on fit for the theme, demonstrated ability to increase diversity within the team, and representation of different disciplines and artistic expertise.
Week 3: Participant slide due. Each participant may use one slide to introduce themselves during the matchmaking session.
Week 4: Virtual matchmaking session
End of week 4: Matchmaking selections are due.
Week 5: Participants are notified via email with their partner name and contact information. Notifications will include judging rubric that will be used to evaluate project pitches and information on their assigned coach.
Week 9: Virtual Project Pitches session. Details and Zoom information will be emailed to participants.
Week 13: Announcement of funded projects
Week 10: Project check-in meeting
Week 15: Project presentations
What happens if I don’t complete my project?
Applicants will be allowed to submit a request for an extension. If they cannot complete projects, they will be asked to submit an explanation. If the reason for lack of completion was not beyond their control, they may be asked to reimburse their funding.This decision will be on a case-by-case basis. Some teams with incomplete projects may have to return funding. Other teams, with help from coordinators, will have to redesign projects using remaining funds. Additional funding will not be given to any team for any reason.
Can I complete a project in a longer timeframe than the program specifies?
Projects can be included in larger works that run over extended periods, or even in perpetuity, but there must be a specific project piece that is completed within the program timeframe.
Can I use other funding sources in combination with any I receive from this program?
Yes, but the work completed during the project timeframe must meet program requirements. Also, we must be able to see what this program has specifically funded.
How will final projects be presented?
Projects will be presented virtually via video, or as posters in person, during one or both of the sponsor conferences.