Introducing PlasmaNOW: A Resource for Public Engagement and Education in Plasma and Fusion

Plasma Science and Fusion Energy public engagement serves to disseminate the research, build awareness and support, diversify the workforce, and allow scientists to learn about the concerns and interests of those outside their field. Here we propose to shift from a deficit model of "outreach," experts reaching out to novices, towards a model of mutual contribution and benefit enabled by a network, with the goal of building experiences based on research and robust evaluation. The recently published Community Plan for Fusion Energy and Discovery Plasma Sciences recommends that "we must increase pathways for undergraduates and technical workers, and increase science literacy by developing community outreach." To address this and similar recommendations, PlasmaNOW (Network for Outreach and Workforce) is a project that aims to build a network for public engagement and education practitioners ranging from scientists to educators and communicators. PlasmaNOW will provide a forum to share best practices, supporting research, and tools for Plasma Science and Fusion Energy engagement and education practitioners. It will also serve as a resource for teachers, students, and community members who wish to engage with these practitioners and the science.