Bridging Science and Solutions: 2023 Understanding Interventions/NSF CREST Annual Conference

The stage is set for a resounding intellectual gathering as the 2023 Annual Understanding Interventions (UI) Conference prepares to reveal its diverse web of knowledge. In partnership with the NSF Centers for Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) Program, this event promises to be a confluence of cutting-edge research and practical applications. Scheduled for August 25-26, 2023, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and accessible virtually on the Underline platform, the conference offers a unique opportunity to delve into the dynamic world of interventions.

Significant partnership for transformation

This year's Annual Understanding Interventions Conference is gaining an even more profound significance through its collaboration with the NSF Centers for Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) Program. The CREST Program, known for fostering outstanding research and technological advancements, aligns seamlessly with the conference's mission of catalyzing positive change through knowledge sharing. Moreover, this partnership very well connects esteemed academic inquiry and important real-world interventions.

Intersections of research and impact

At the heart of the 2023 UI Conference lies the theme of bridging the gap between scientific exploration and tangible solutions. The collaborative effort with the NSF CREST Program is founded on the premise that interventions hold the key to broadening participation in science and engineering research careers, making it a pivotal platform for dialogue among behavioral/social science and education researchers, evaluators, and STEM faculty. From studies to interventions, the event ensures a common ground for diverse perspectives and deep insights.

What to expect during two engaging days

The program agenda for the 2023 Understanding Interventions/NSF CREST Annual Conference, themed "Connecting Communication and Leveraging Resources to Maximize Impact", promises an engaging experience over the course of two days. Day 1 of the conference commences with the registration process followed by an eventful day of concurrent workshops, colloquia, symposia, and deeper dives.

The agenda showcases a diverse range of topics and formats designed to facilitate interactive learning and knowledge exchange. Workshops, lasting from 1.5 to 3 hours, will delve into crucial subjects such as assessing programmatic success, strategies for faculty development, and the implementation and evaluation of mentorship networks.

Symposia will feature 2-3 person panel presentations, spanning themes from engineering education to workplace equity for individuals with disabilities in STEM. The deeper dives sessions introduce a novel format, where 10-minute presentations followed by 5 minutes of Q&A pave the way for dynamic roundtable discussions. Additionally, colloquia sessions serve as platforms for discourse on subjects like racial equity in STEM, recruitment and retention of underrepresented doctoral students, and opportunities for minority-serving institutions.

Day 2 will maintain the conference's momentum with a morning plenary on enhancing research capacity and training at minority-serving emerging research institutions (MSERIs). Concurrent sessions will then continue to offer a diverse array of symposia, workshops, colloquia, and postdoctoral professional development opportunities that encompass themes such as STEM analysis of instruction, mentorship, program innovation, and more.

Ensuring a seamless virtual experience

All conference-related activities will be held at the Marriott Salt Lake City Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, providing participants with a central hub for engagement and networking. This venue serves as a catalyst for fresh ideas and cross-disciplinary conversations, set in the dynamic ambiance of this charming city.

While the event is grounded in Salt Lake City, the virtual extension via the Underline platform transcends geographical boundaries, providing an inclusive experience for participants worldwide. The platform offers both real-time streaming of sessions and interactive Q&A opportunities. This online approach ensures that the knowledge shared at the event resonates far beyond the confines of the physical venue.

The 2023 Annual Understanding Interventions Conference, organized through the collaboration of visionary minds from the UI community and the NSF CREST Program, stands as a testament to the transformative potential of research-based interventions. Amidst the digital landscapes of the Underline platform, attendees are invited to embark on an exploration of discoveries, innovations, and collaborations that hold the key to shaping a future full of positive change.