DESIGN: Culture Change - Building a Relational and Inclusive Discipline through Genetics Engagement (CC-BRIDGE)

遗传学领域的工作经常与激发重大公众兴趣和关注的复杂问题交叉。然而，遗传学领域的历史实践和优先事项的遗产通知了当前公众对遗传学研究人员和遗传学在社会中的应用的看法。这种遗产也可能使边缘化和有背景的人在遗传学学科中产生异化和排斥的感觉。专业科学学会完全有能力支持其学科内部以及学科与社会之间所需的文化变革进程。科学传播和参与越来越被认为是科学家在其职业生涯的各个阶段的专业发展的关键要素，这反过来又可以积极地影响公众对科学和科学家的看法。通过利用专业科学学会的独特作用，这一合作试点项目将研究公众参与在建立一个更加多样化、包容和公平的遗传学领域文化方面的作用，并在遗传学领域与社会不同阶层之间建立更加互惠和参与的关系。该项目将评估遗传学协会在提高公众参与的可见度和可信度方面的影响；创造培训、网络和参与这项工作的机会；建立一个实践社区，支持以人道、谦逊和尊重为中心的循证活动。这是一个为期两年的试点项目，汇集了哈佛医学院的个人遗传学教育项目（PGED）、美国遗传学学会（GSA）、再生stem研究所和一个多元化的咨询委员会。该项目有三个具体目标。目标1是共同创建和试点一个项目，为遗传学研究人员提供公众参与科学的资源和策略。该项目由7个网络研讨会、2个研讨会和一个研讨会组成，旨在提高人们对遗传学研究的历史和当前社会影响的认识，并提高公众参与的兴趣和技能。目标2是建立一个遗传学参与的实践社区，以分享知识，建立关系，并确定未来努力的共同愿景。目标3是制定一个具体的、可操作的战略，在多年的努力中应用试点项目的教训、经验和观点，以支持遗传学领域内外的文化变革。外部评估人员将在整个项目时间表中提供迭代评估，以检查项目对参与的遗传学研究人员和新兴实践社区的影响，并跟踪长期战略计划的制定。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Work in the field of genetics often intersects with complex issues that inspire significant public interest and concern. However, the legacy of historical practices and priorities in the field of genetics informs current public perceptions of genetics researchers and the application of genetics in society. This legacy can also perpetuate feelings of alienation and exclusion in the genetics discipline among people of marginalized and backgrounds. Professional scientific societies are well positioned to support processes for needed cultural change within their disciplines and between their disciplines and society. Science communication and engagement are increasingly recognized as key elements of professional development for scientists at all stages of their careers, which in turn can positively impact perceptions of science and of scientists in the public sphere. By leveraging the unique role of professional scientific societies, this collaborative pilot project will examine the role of public engagement in building a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable culture in the field of genetics, and establishing a more reciprocal and engaged relationship between the field of genetics and diverse segments of society. The project will evaluate the impacts of a genetics society in bringing visibility and credibility to public engagement; creating opportunities for training, networking, and participation in this work; and developing a community of practice to support evidence-based activities that are centered on humanity, humility, and respect.This is a two-year pilot project that brings together the Personal Genetics Education Project (PGED) of Harvard Medical School, the Genetics Society of America (GSA), the ReclaimingSTEM Institute, and a diverse advisory board. The project has three specific aims. Aim 1 is to co-create and pilot a program that provides resources and strategies for public engagement with science to genetics researchers. Consisting of 7 webinars, 2 workshops, and a symposium, the program will build awareness of the historical and current social impacts of genetics research and increase interest in and build skills around inclusive public engagement. Aim 2 is to establish a community of practice for genetics engagement to share knowledge, build relationships, and identify a shared vision for future efforts. Aim 3 is to generate a specific, actionable strategy for applying pilot program lessons, experiences, and perspectives in a multi-year effort to support cultural changes within and beyond the genetics field. An external evaluator will provide iterative evaluation throughout the project timeline to examine the project’s impact on participating genetics researchers and the nascent community of practice, as well as to track the creation of a longer-term strategic plan.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.