NRT Training Program Partnership

Doctoral students in the NRT training program in Sensory Science have developed a science communication partnership with residents at Abiitan Mill City, a retirement community in downtown Minneapolis. NRT students conduct a “journal club” that meets regularly to discuss pre-selected scientific articles from the popular press. Students help residents explore ways of determining the credibility of stories through focused discussions and by providing more in-depth background on the topics, with the goal of enabling residents to better determine what constitutes “good” science.

The Abiitan outreach program initially began as an opportunity for students to give presentations on their research, but it has gradually evolved into a forum that allows residents to ask questions and discuss scientific literature relevant to their own lives and interests.