Programs
WE INSPIRE DISCOVERY where science is shared. Programs at The Institute will unite research, cultivate curiosity, pursue professional growth, and engage everyone. Grab a cup of coffee and join us.
IMAGINE A FUTURE where scientists, graduate students, STEM educators, and science enthusiasts from around the globe come together to explore the realm of underground science.
The Institute will serve as a hub for such activity and serve as an advocate to fund and prioritize underground science.
Welcome to the future.
Creating Opportunities for Innovation
Within the walls of The Institute, imagine…
- Lively discussions and thought-provoking symposia focusing on theoretical and experimental research.
- Renowned underground scientists sharing their latest findings, inspiring others through groundbreaking research.
- Graduate students and early-career researchers thriving in a nurturing environment for learning, growth, and contribution.
- Elevated STEM training for educators that empowers them to develop personally and professionally, enhancing their ability to inspire
- the next generation of scientists
Empowering the Next Generation
At The Institute, we are dedicated to the pursuit of collaboration among scientists from diverse backgrounds, ages, and expertise. Through our science programming, The Institute provides opportunities for scientists from all levels to drive groundbreaking discoveries that advance technology and deepen our understanding of the universe.
The Institute’s science program comprises a wide range of elements designed not only to meet the needs of underground science factions but to provide the kernel for coalescing an underground science community. The Institute will support individual and collaborative research in a dynamic atmosphere of intense, meaningful scientific interactions.
- Interactions amongst scientific community members fall into three general categories:
- Meetings: Conferences, workshops, topical meetings, and seminars as well as experiment–related meetings and workshops.
- Visiting Scientist Program: Brings a range of scientists to the Institute via a scientist–in–residence program, fellowships, and education.
- Public lectures, workshops, seminars, and colloquia.
Promoting Exploration and STEM Education
The Institute will operate a world-leading Education and Outreach (E&O) program that fosters close collaboration and integration with the researchers and K–12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. The Institute will lead the advancement of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) in science and science education.
The existing SURF E&O program provides extensive K–12 student education opportunities. It will move under the Institute umbrella, and its programs expanded to serve a broader audience at national and international scales. The Institute will bring together science education researchers, faculty, and practitioners to positively impact how science is taught, learned, and experienced by students and the general public.
Key education programs envisioned include:
- Expansion of the scope and scale of the K–12 direct engagement programs.
- Provide training opportunities for educators including conferences and workshops.
- Increase general public outreach, including teaching science communication skills.
- Engage with K–16 students on existing and expanded programs.
It is anticipated that The Institute will host a variety of programs to engage an additional 3,000 people annually beyond the impact of the existing SURF E&O program.
Captivating the Public
Public talks and other formal public outreach opportunities will meet the needs of the regional
community and Institute participants alike. With a larger scientific community grounded through The Institute, expanding the number and variety of formal talks will be a fundamental component of public outreach.
- Face–to–face and virtual synchronous options across a wide range of topics, including science, history, and culture.
- Science communication conferences that bring science communicators from national and international labs, universities, publications, and advocacy groups.
- Science communication programs for researchers working at SURF.
- Partnerships with local and regional organizations to enhance opportunities for learning.
Taking the Lead Now
The Institute’s science program [2] comprises a wide range of elements designed to meet the needs of underground science and to support individual and collaborative research in a dynamic atmosphere of intense, meaningful scientific interactions. Meetings: Conferences, workshops, topical meetings, and seminars as well as experiment–related meetings and workshops.
- The Center for Theoretical Underground Physics and Related Areas (CETUP*) provides a stimulating environment for creative thinking and open discussion. Researchers with varying experience— and from different countries and scientific backgrounds—collaborate to attract rising young scientists, discuss a broad range of topics, and collaborate. The combined expertise allows this intellectual community to address the most pressing questions in fundamental research.
- Conference on Science at SURF: Hosted by South Dakota Mines, the conference focuses on multiple disciplines, including physics, gelology, biology, and engineering, bringing together scientists from around the world.
- QuarkNet is an existing teacher professional development conference funded by the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation. It offers hands-on physics experiences and connects classroom learning with real-world science, allowing teachers and students to engage in practical research and global scientific collaboration.
- Science collaboration meetings bring scientists from around the globe to discuss current and future research in a variety of areas.
- Deeper Talks: SURF Seminar Series is a monthly talk series that strengthens the sense of intellectual community. This series is aimed at providing a platform for researchers to discuss their work, share insights, and foster interdisciplinary connections within the science community. Learn more and register for the next talk.
Be Part of the Journey
