This is a science blog that is collaboratively written and managed by graduate students from primarily STEM fields at Indiana University, Bloomington. Peer-edited blog posts focus on science topics and ongoing research at IUB and elsewhere in a short, readable format with cited references and primary sources such as NASA, the Department of Defense, and others. The blog aims to provide readers with current, reliable content in an effort to initiate conversations about science within the community. Over the past two years the writers and editors of ScIU used INSGC funds to advance the mission of the blog through targeted promotions to the public and campus communities throughout the year and to provide ScIU writers and editors with opportunities to further develop their communication and leadership skills.

ScIUâs central commitments are to promote STEM in the public sphere with accessible articles about science and to provide support for graduate student scientists in developing strong science communication skills. These two main objectives have far-reaching benefits for both groups. For its readers, the ScIU blog will: provide accurate and engaging information about scientific concepts, research and current events (content), improve scientific literacy in a variety of fields and encourage thought about science in daily life (education), provide opportunities to see the applications of science in daily life (connection), be written in a fun, accessible way to demonstrate that anyone can find science exhilarating (inspire). For its writers, the ScIU blog will: provide a platform and an opportunity to practice communicating science for a general audience (inspire), provide supportive guidance through peer editing to hone science-writing skills (educate), encourage scientists in training to engage meaningfully with the public and to consider connections between their work and the community (connection). In addition to these benefits, the bloggers who govern this project and manage the entire writing, editing, and publishing process, will have a significant opportunity for leadership development among STEM students and bloggers.