Are you a researcher engaging (or interested in engaging) the public in scientific research? Then the Conference for Advancing Participatory Sciences (CAPS) is for you. This conference focuses on all of the hidden hard work it takes to make the science happen, giving you the skills you need to take your project to the next level.
At CAPS you can…
- Share your successes and challenges. We welcome presentations of research findings*, published or not, as a way of exploring what it takes to make science happen when working with volunteers. CAPS provides a platform to share your experiences—both successful and challenging—with a diverse audience from across the U.S. and beyond who appreciate the hard work you put in to engage with the public.
- Learn from diverse perspectives. CAPS attracts a global audience with varying expertise, from academic researchers, to community activists, to technology developers, allowing you to gain new perspectives and broaden your understanding of participatory science opportunities, resources, and innovations.
- Collaborate with like-minded individuals, and people who can complement your expertise. Attendees include data managers, evaluators, outreach specialists, and others, offering a unique opportunity to find collaborators who are as committed to addressing local and global challenges as you are and who can help you devote your time to the parts of these projects you’re passionate about.
- Engage in impact-focused sessions. People leave this event with concrete actions they can take to improve their projects and the world. Skill-building workshops include offerings for ways to improve your data visualizations, develop high-quality educational materials, and foster meaningful partnerships. Throughout the full event, sessions include themes for coalition building, policy influence, community partnerships, and new technologies. Discuss and learn from others about impactful approaches in participatory science.
- Boost your career. CAPS is the ideal space to make valuable career connections with funders, mentors, and innovators in this field, keeping you at the cutting edge of participatory science practices and opportunities. Whether your project is your full-time job or a small part of your work, engaging with thought leaders and attending relevant workshops and symposia will open doors to grow your project, funding, and career options.
Join us for CAPS 2027!
CAPS 2027 will take place in Louisville, Kentucky 17-21 May 2027. Find about more about available opportunities to present and attend CAPS 2027 on the event page.
*First time presenting at one of our events? We’re here to help, because we know our call for abstracts is a little different. We welcome your research findings AND we specifically ask you to reflect on the unique challenges and opportunities of working with volunteers to achieve them. You’re disciplinary conference colleagues might not get it, but this audience does – present here and be appreciated for the hard work that you put into public engagement! The call for abstracts includes an easy to follow planning guide to help you hit the marks with your submission and presentation.
Consider also sharing this opportunity with your graduate students or early career collagues – here are a few reasons CAPS is a great venue for their participation as well.
