Proposals to design and develop website
The organization seeks proposals to design and develop the website -an innovative and authoritative digital source for public information about the subject. The website should leverage emerging technology to assemble and distribute to a global audience the field's best, scientifically vetted public information about the brain and nervous system. The site, a stand-alone Web site also linked through SfN's homepage, would serve a unique and important function that targets the broad public, sub-university level science educators, and public policy audiences. By creating a nonprofit, one-stop source for authoritative brain science, and using a strong online strategy to proactively disseminate it, BrainFacts.org would help achieve key outcomes for the field:
Strengthen public awareness of growing scientific knowledge about the brain and how basic physical and life science research translates to better human health;
Help dispel "neuromyths" and decrease misunderstanding and lack of knowledge that lead to illness, stigma, and suboptimal health outcomes;
Stimulate greater academic interest and enthusiasm among young people by providing science teachers with easy access to teaching tools and resources; and
Increase public support for brain research funding by showcasing how research happens, demonstrating tremendous progress to date, and informing policy deliberation about brain science.
Two key components form the basis for BrainFacts.org. First, it would assemble and present the best lay-friendly public information about the brain. Initially, the site would rely on SfN's wealth of scientifically vetted resources, which would be augmented regularly from SfN and elsewhere to ensure fresh content. In the following phase, an editorial board of scientists would select additional quality content identified from key content partners across the neuroscience community. The other key component is a modern technology platform and integration of social media tools to engage the public through reading, content sharing, commenting, rating, and other interactive features. The site would be widely promoted through many existing and select new SfN communication channels that directly reach target audiences based on a comprehensive outreach plan established during early planning. Ultimately, SfN believes BrainFacts.org will form a powerful global communications platform for public information about the brain, a platform on which the Society, its partners, and the field can build over time.
