Engage + Connect is a UCSF-born initiative that advances and accelerates scientific innovation and discovery by investing in the human side of science — linking people, programs, and ideas to build a more collaborative, inclusive, and innovative research culture. Like bees joining forces to build the hive, we strengthen the bonds that let science grow at UCSF and beyond.
Silos, isolation, and hierarchies in science stifle innovation and leave out important voices. Engage + Connect seeks to fuel a new generation of scientists and scientific breakthroughs by changing the culture of science as we know it.
We identify and support promising efforts that strengthen the research enterprise by building connection, capacity, and culture. From initiatives that expand access to scientific careers, to faculty-led programs that foster equity and belonging, to new models for interdisciplinary collaboration, Engage + Connect provides catalytic support to help good ideas take root and grow.
We help effective initiatives reach farther. Sometimes that means connecting them to new partners, programs, or collaborators. Sometimes it means unlocking new resources or visibility. Whether we’re matchmaking across silos or supporting fundraising strategies, our goal is to multiply what works, without duplicating it.
We amplify ideas that deserve to travel. Through storytelling, toolkits, and cross-institutional partnerships, we help successful models inspire adoption elsewhere. When one group cracks a challenge, whether it’s improving mentorship, creating inclusive lab practices, or building new community infrastructure, we help others build on it.
Scientific publishing rewards prestige over quality and leaves researchers out of the process
Discovery Curator is a scientist-led experiment to reimagine peer review as a transparent, community-owned, and constructive process. By separating assessments of quality and impact, and focusing on peer improvement rather than gatekeeping, this initiative empowers scientists to take back ownership of scientific publishing.
@ UCSF
The gap between scientific expertise and public understanding.
ENGAGE is a 2-day immersive science communication workshop designed to help researchers build skills in public engagement, civic science, and accessible communication. The workshop challenges entrenched academic norms by cultivating reflective, outward-facing scientists prepared to lead in an increasingly interconnected and scrutinized world. Held at UCSF and partner institutions nationwide, ENGAGE is not just a training, it's a mindset shift.
Creating structural change in scientific culture through grassroots leadership, equity frameworks, and community-centered action.
IgEquity is a trainee-led initiative based in immunology, but built for all of science. Focused on advancing gender equity and intersectional inclusion, IgEquity centers the voices and experiences of underrepresented genders while working to dismantle the systemic barriers that limit who thrives in research environments. Through advocacy, education, and institutional partnership, it promotes structural change that improves scientific culture far beyond any single discipline.
@ UCSF
Transforming the culture and composition of science through community education, representation, and intentional support.
ImmunoDiverse is a trainee-led initiative working to reshape the culture of science by uplifting voices that have historically been excluded. Through education on racial bias, mentorship and sponsorship of URM trainees, partnerships with MSIs and HBCUs, and celebration of diverse scientific contributions, it fosters a more inclusive and representative research environment. While rooted in immunology, its vision and impact extend across disciplines.
@ UCSF
Introducing young minds to science through immersive, identity-affirming exposure to biomedical research.
ImmunoExplore is a free and immersive summer camp that introduces Bay Area high school students from underrepresented backgrounds to the field of immunology at UCSF. Hosted at the Parnassus campus, the program combines hands-on learning, mentorship, and lab exposure with the broader goal of showing students that science—and scientific careers—are for them. Led by the ImmunoX URM trainee and faculty community, ImmunoExplore builds early identity, confidence, and curiosity around biomedical research.
@ UCSF
Preparing the next generation of scientists through paid, mentored research opportunities that close critical gaps in access.
PROPEL is a 1–2 year paid postbaccalaureate research program that provides aspiring scientists from under-resourced or nontraditional backgrounds with the research experience, mentorship, and professional development needed to succeed in graduate or medical school. Participants are embedded in UCSF labs, supported by tailored programming, and paired with committed faculty mentors.
@ UCSF | Iowa | Stanford | UW + Fred Hutch
Engage + Connect helps great ideas take root, grow, and reach new communities.
