Additions Increase BrainFacts.org User Engagement
Two new additions to BrainFacts.org invite users of all backgrounds to engage in neuroscience education and discussion. The developments are helping the site, a public information initiative of The Kavli Foundation, Gatsby Charitable Foundation, and Society for Neuroscience, evolve into a multifaceted platform, aimed at increasing public knowledge and awareness about neuroscience.
The BrainFacts.org blog launched in December 2012 as a companion to the information found on BrainFacts.org. The blog contains the opinions and perspectives of eight members of the neuroscience community who are active in public outreach and communication. Some have already written for other well-respected media outlets including Scientific American, the Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, while others are active on Neuronline and Twitter.
The blog is designed to engage the public in a dialogue about what’s new and notable in neuroscience. Registered users can comment on blog posts and converse with other readers or the authors themselves. Science blogs have become a popular platform to discuss science, crowdsource ideas, and share experiences. This endeavor gives neuroscience a new foothold in this online community.
In February, BrainFacts.org rolled out e-alerts, enabling visitors to sign up to get personalized content from the site straight to their inbox. Each month, subscribers receive an update with all new content on the site in their areas of interest. E-alerts enable the site to expand and retain relationships with a loyal and engaged audience.
“BrainFacts.org communicates what we as scientists know about the brain, and what we’re learning, and puts this knowledge into the public’s hands,” said Nick Spitzer, editor-in-chief and professor, vice chair of neurobiology at the University of California, San Diego. These innovative features will enable the site to further its mission of enhancing public information about neuroscience.
BrainFacts.org launched in May 2012 to serve as an authoritative and accessible source of information about the brain and nervous system for the public. All content on the site is reviewed and approved by neuroscientists and by the site’s international editorial board. Since its launch, BrainFacts.org has received more than 250,000 unique visitors and nearly 800,000 page views from people across the globe.
