Access, inclusion, and effective facilitation
We provide a space and a community of practice for participants to discuss the intersections of scientific workforce development, access and inclusion, and effective facilitation through training sessions, improvisational activities, and reflective discussions.
More about the initiative
Reflexivity Workbook
We created the Reflexivity Handbook for people interested in science communication, public participation in science and, more broadly, in civic science—or who already work in these fields—and who wish to make their efforts more equitable and inclusive.
Stories that inspire
Fellows share their perspectives on the program
"The IRFF experience has fundamentally changed how I approach facilitation. I now think much more carefully about how my own biases and beliefs shape the spaces I create. But perhaps the most valuable part of the IRFF is the network of committed, thoughtful, brilliant, and supportive individuals I have joined."
Peter
Fellow - IRFF
"The IRFF expanded my perspective beyond the bubble of my small university by pushing me to consider how context shapes teaching. Hearing diverse experiences and navigating unfamiliar institutional cultures helped me see my own assumptions more clearly. The program taught me to translate principles, not replicate models—a lesson that continues to influence my work"
Christin
Fellow - IRFF
"During one of my workshops, a question came up that I didn't feel fully prepared to answer, so I turned to the participants and asked... What do you all think? It was a vivid and exciting conversation that made the discussion feel more like facilitation, rather than a class. This simple tactic came out of the IRFF program along with many more that have given more life and color to my workshops"
Reyhaneh
Fellow - IRFF
"This is the first opportunity I've had to receive training, guidance, and support on how to strengthen my facilitation approach. I have been impressed by the diversity of backgrounds and experience that the instructors and cohort members bring to the program, and I can already see how I have benefited from the reflections and feedback."
Emily
Fellow - IRFF