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Laying the groundwork for a successful partnership between a university and an informal science education institution (ISE) is not always easy. When both institutions bring their unique expertise and resources to the partnership, they can enable each other to be efficient, innovative, and impactful. Successful partnerships can provide new opportunities and benefits to everyone involved.

Below are examples of possible outcomes of institutionalized partnerships:

Impacts and Outcomes for University Institution and Staff

  • Increased institutional capacity for high quality broader impact projects with ISEs and other community connections
  • Grant Administrators and program leaders have clear avenues and networks in place for leveraging university values and strengths
  • Public engagement and outreach efforts are aligned with current NSF broader impacts priorities and with engagement best practices
  • Universities and ISEs have new models to share related to successful broader programs, partnerships, and proposals

Impacts and Outcomes for ISE Institution and Staff

  • Increased institutional capacity and comfort related to working with researchers and external partners
  • Enhanced and strengthened strategic relationships with universities
  • Customized templates and resources to quickly and easily respond to researchers
  • New or strengthened community connections to improve access and impact of programs
  • Increased ability to introduce their audiences to current research

Impacts and Outcomes for Principal Investigators

  • New or strengthened relationship with an ISE as a basis for future projects and collaborations
  • Increased understanding of how to use university resources to support developing a broader impacts effort
  • Shifted perspective on the role broader impacts can play across their career
  • Increased familiarity with, understanding of, and respect for engagement expertise and scholarship

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