Outstanding Accomplishment Award: Education and Outreach

Established in 1994, the Education & Outreach Award is given for efforts having a significant impact on and leading to improvements in scientific, mathematical, or technical education or for other efforts that significantly enhance the public’s understanding of scientific or technical issues.

The Traveling Exhibit Program Team is recognized for their exceptional creativity and dedication in bringing NSF NCAR’s science to communities across the nation through Resilient Earth, Resilient Communities, UCAR’s first traveling exhibit. Since 2019, the work of the team has reached more than 120,000 visitors at libraries, museums, universities, and cultural centers—many in underserved regions—helping people connect local experiences with global Earth system science.

Through vivid panels, interactive displays, and locally co-created content, the exhibit inspires curiosity, fosters resilience, and builds lasting partnerships between NSF NCAR, UCAR, and diverse communities. The team’s innovative approach—working with local artists, educators, and scientists—has transformed science outreach into a model of authentic community engagement.

One quote from a supporting letter notes: “This team is truly exceptional! Their frequent and clear communication, unwavering support, and the development of an outstanding exhibit that our community appreciated and engaged with reassured us of their capabilities. They helped us achieve our organizational goals of integrating environmental change, awareness, and resiliency into our programs.”

Their work exemplifies UCAR’s mission to inform, engage, and inspire the public while advancing their understanding of our changing planet.