Call for Proposals: Outreach Materials and Demos

We invite proposals for outreach materials and demos about neuroengineering, to be exhibited at upcoming events such as NeuroFest (March 9, 2024 during Brain Awareness Week) and Picnic Day (April 20, 2024)*. These events attract a large group of people of all ages and backgrounds, who are curious to see, hear, interact, and learn. As such, we encourage applicants to consider the level of interactivity allowed by the proposed materials and demos – the more hands-on/interactive, the better. Beyond funding the creation of your idea, you / your team may receive cash prizes if your project is selected.  

All current UC Davis undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral trainees, junior specialists, other trainees, are eligible to participate. Collaborative proposals that illustrate the contribution of various fields (engineering, neuroscience, computer science, electrical engineering, neurology, neurosurgery, etc) are encouraged.

Examples are listed below, and the list is not exhaustive. Potential topics: “What is neuroengineering?”. “The neurotech industry”. “Neuroengineering solutions to the X neurological challenge”. Etc. See pictures of previous exhibits at the end of this document.

• Hands on demonstrations or activities
• 3D models
• Games (including VR)
• Posters or info graphics
• Short videos (1-2 min)
• Any other exciting or engaging idea you dream up!

Stage 1

Pitch your proposal in a 1/2-page document. This can be shorter if your project is very simple, for example a poster of infographic. Include your name, major / lab / department, and contact information, as well as the title of your proposal. Include a schematic to further clarify the concept; feel free to append drawings if you need additional space. Include:

• Why will the audience care about it?
• How interactive is it? (higher degree of interactivity is generally preferred)
• What is the budget needed for implementing your proposal? Please provide brief justification. If you anticipate that building your project will cost than $100, list the various items and or services you will purchase and how they will be used to create your project.

Submit here and send an email to gmlee@ucdavis.edu to confirm receipt. Deadline: January 10, 2024

Budget: varied. Larger budgets may be justified for collaborative proposals.

Stage 2

A committee will review the proposals and announce the individuals and teams moving forward.

Deadline: January 24, 2024

Stage 3

Individuals and teams who receive funding will implement/ produce/ assemble/ etc their proposed materials / demos / interactive exhibits.

Stage 4

You and/or your team exhibit at NeuroFest and other outreach events. Potential events you and your team could participate at include those listed below.

Please note, for more complex projects we understand you may require more time to create your idea. If your idea is awarded, you may have some flexibility as to when it can be ready for display.

QUESTIONS? Please contact Gabriela Lee, MS, MBA, Associate Director, gmlee@ucdavis.edu

 

Outreach events and/or venues. 

NeuroFest event at the Center for Neuroscience, UC Davis: March 9, 2024

NeuroFest, a one-day free public event for community members of all ages, brings the exciting world of brain science to the community. Each year in March, we welcome participants to learn about the latest in neuroscience research from our world-class experts, enjoy fun and interactive activities with our graduate students, and help judge research projects presented by our trainees. NeuroFest occurs during Brain Awareness Week, a global effort organized by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives and the Society for Neuroscience to promote the public and personal benefits of brain research.

Picnic Day, UC Davis: April 20, 2024

SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, Sacramento (MOSAC)

MOSAC piques curiosity and sparks imagination in our guests of all ages with hands-on interactive exhibits and programming that explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

Our exhibitions address global and local issues on topics relating to energy, health, water, nature, space and design engineering. The state-of-the-art planetarium theater screens a variety of spectacular star shows and feature films.

MOSAC’s mission is to serve as a dynamic regional hub that engages and inspires people of all ages to explore the wonders, possibilities, and responsibilities of science.

We aim to inspire the next generation of scientists, technologists and thought leaders to meet the needs of the 21st century workforce, and to help all of us face the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Exhibits. MOSAC addresses important global themes by framing them in a relevant and regional context for our visitors. With over 100 exhibits to explore, you’ll always find deep and engaging content in our galleries, which include: Health Headlines & Innovations, Building Sacramento, Nature Detectives, Powering Change, Water Challenge, Destination Space, Design Lab and the UC Davis Multiverse Theater.

Explorit Science Center, Davis

Explorit Science Center mission: To ignite and foster curiosity about science and nature through inquiry and discovery.

Examples of outreach materials and demos from previous years