Science professionals continuously seek training options that are accessible, effective, and time-efficient. As corporate budgets for training diminish, it is imperative that we maximize the value of actual contact hours and provide directly applicable practical knowledge and techniques.

At the same time, formal research on adult education finds learning outcomes to be positively impacted by social learning environments, especially when combined with the interactive learning formats. The key is finding a way to embrace hands-on learning in an interactive community environment. We are doing just that.

This project features three unique aspects:

1. Customized learning solution with inter-disciplinary, peer-reviewed curriculum
2. Cohort-based learning (e.g., peer-instruction, community building, social networking)
3. A personalized knowledge assessment via integrated instructional design

Our platform is designed for the industry professional working in chemistry-related sectors and related scientific enterprises worldwide, yet will be broad enough in content and flexible enough in functionality to accommodate participants from peripherally related areas (e.g., regulatory, legal, sales/marketing, etc.). By offering practical peer-reviewed material across the spectrum of experience levels, not only will this program be pertinent to the young bench chemist but also to the established lab manager or program director.

The combination of interactive synchronous and asynchronous learning formats, dynamic social networking and learning tools, and collaboration between cohort members and subject matter experts (SMEs) equals a rich, cost-effective, and ultimately a professionally motivating training experience.

By employing the latest in web-based technology, pedagogical techniques, learning management tools, and trends in adult and online education, Sci-Mind™ will lead the way for practical, professional science training.

In 2012, we will debut two focused scientific topics: Separation Science and Toxicology for the Scientist. Both of these areas have a broad reach to wide array of industries, and we hope they will lead to the creation of an exicting and enlightening learning community.