2025 Hertz Summer Workshop Evaluation
Overview¶
This evaluation assesses the 2025 Hertz Summer Workshop, analyzing how it creates value for attendees, strengthens the scientific community, and advances the Foundation’s mission. The evaluation employed mixed methods including surveys, ethnographic observation, interviews, and analysis of workshop materials across three stages: pre-workshop, on-site, and post-workshop assessment.
Key Findings¶
The Workshop’s Unique Value¶
The Hertz Summer Workshop excels at connecting individual scientists’ work to society’s biggest challenges through:
Exceptional Scientific Communication: Workshop talks are accessible across disciplines, share the realities of doing science (not just polished results), and foster candid discussions about ethical and societal implications
Strengthened Networks: Attendees build prestigious, cross-disciplinary connections that enhance resilience and open new career pathways
Shared Responsibility: Fellows leave feeling renewed commitment to addressing global challenges and stewarding science’s future
Career Development: The workshop facilitates career pivots, mentorship, and exposure to cutting-edge science across fields
A Distinctive Community-Building Model¶
Workshop organizers have developed a remarkable approach that balances formality and informality through:
Intentional Welcome: A culture where attendees actively include everyone in conversations and demonstrate genuine curiosity about each other’s work
“Parallel Play” Baseline: Activities designed so attendees can engage at their comfort level, from observation to deep collaboration
Engineering Challenge: A beloved activity combining scientific problem-solving with playful competition
Social Activities: Structured opportunities for informal bonding and relationship-building
2025-Specific Innovations¶
New elements introduced in 2025 received mixed but generally positive reception:
Distributed Staff Model: Clarified responsibilities but revealed needs for better decision-making structure and staff support
Fundraising Campaign: Well-received by senior fellows; needs more inclusive messaging for in-school fellows
Refreshed Brand Identity: New tagline (“Name a Challenge. There’s a Hertz Fellow Working On It.”) resonated strongly; logo received mixed reviews
Pilot Matching Program: Appreciated by some but needs refinement in algorithm inputs and communication
Partnership: Raised concerns about alignment with community values and need for better partner preparation
Critical Success Factors¶
The workshop succeeds because it:
Provides ample unstructured time for deep conversation
Celebrates the community’s rich history while looking forward
Relies on engaged volunteers who embody “For the Fellows, By the Fellows”
Includes families and embraces diverse participation
Offers “passive learning” opportunities throughout the venue
Areas for Improvement¶
Inclusion & Accessibility¶
More affordable family participation options
Better support for attendees with disabilities
Dedicated spaces for underrepresented groups
Location considerations for marginalized communities
Mentorship & Connection¶
Formalize mentorship opportunities across career stages
Improve awareness of existing regional events
Expand year-round connection opportunities (local meetups, online forums)
Workshop Content¶
Add more talks (most-requested improvement)
Include more in-school fellow presentations
Provide passive learning opportunities (posters, whiteboards, display boards)
Carefully select and prepare partnership breakouts
Logistics¶
Provide more spacious venues (attendees naturally spread into small groups)
Improve food labeling for dietary restrictions
Select locations near major airports when possible
Maintain in-person focus; hybrid formats not recommended for main workshop
Strategic Recommendations¶
Lean into the “Name a Challenge” messaging - This tagline authentically captures what makes the community special.
Champion and market the parallel play model - This distinctive approach should be celebrated as a core strength.
Support fellows year-round - Extend workshop values and connections beyond the annual event.
Continue family inclusion - Use it as both internal marketing (increase attendance) and external demonstration of program value.
Refine the distributed staff model - Clarify decision-making authority and provide better support structures.
Enhance the matching program - Incorporate career stage, networking goals, and clearer algorithm communication.
Engage community in partnership decisions - Ensure partners align with community values and norms.
Preserve and share community history - Formalize storytelling through oral histories and impact evaluations.
Conclusion¶
The Hertz Summer Workshop represents a remarkable experience of scientific community-building. The ability to balance technical depth with accessibility, individual autonomy with collaborative engagement, and professional development with playful interaction makes it a uniquely valuable experience for attendees. The Foundation should sustain this successful model while thoughtfully expanding its impact.