Science is for society. Science should improve the wellbeing and livelihoods of all. One of the ways we popularizes science and its benefits to society is through community outreach initiatives. For example, we engage high school students and science teachers through workshops and discussion sessions. From the microbiological point of view, we engage high school students and their teachers on the impact of microbial infections on the growth of children, and cognitive development; and the effects educational performance, with the potential to impact socio-economic development of the individual and society, even in the absence of visible disease. See The MAL-ED project. We also introduce students to basic laboratory techniques in the study of microorganisms.
We believe that providing information through community outreach activities enhances public understanding of science. For example, understanding the effects of germs on our health and wellbeing serves as a good motivation to accept and practice prevention methods. Our outreach activities with high schools have been supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) within the framework of the Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) https://www.usaid.gov/research/peer.
