Every program fits one of three pillars. Research informs conversation, conversation shapes strategy, and strategy drives new research.
Create and share knowledge. Peer-reviewed research and science translated into formats people can use for decisions in agriculture, food systems, and environmental policy.
Engage and build community. Events, awards, and ongoing dialogue that connect scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, and students across sectors.
Shape direction. Programs that identify emerging priorities and turn strategic insight into guidance, so CAST and the agricultural science community stay ahead of critical issues.
Not ready to join? Subscribe to CAST Connections for monthly updates. Questions? Email cast@cast-science.org.
CAST programs span three functions — creating and sharing knowledge (Inform), building expert community (Convene), and translating research into strategic guidance (Guide).
Every CAST program* fits within one of three pillars that define how we serve the agricultural science community. Together, these pillars create a complete ecosystem where research informs conversation, conversation shapes strategy, and strategy drives new research.
*All new programs are starting January 2026
Create and Share Knowledge
We produce credible, peer-reviewed research and translate complex science into accessible formats. These programs deliver the evidence and insights that guide decision-making in agriculture, food systems, and environmental policy.
Engage and Build Community
We bring together diverse perspectives through events, awards, and ongoing dialogue. These programs connect scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, and students to build relationships and share expertise across sectors.
Shape Direction
We identify emerging priorities and translate strategic insights into actionable guidance. These programs ensure CAST stays ahead of critical issues and helps the agricultural science community anticipate challenges and opportunities.
Peer-reviewed papers that synthesize agricultural science for policy, education, and industry.
What you get: Issue Papers, Commentaries, and Explainers (4-6 releases/year) with media kits and webinar rollouts.
For: Policymakers, educators, journalists, researchers
8-12 week innovation sprints testing new ideas and communication formats on emerging issues.
What you get: Lab Briefs, infographics, mini-documentaries, policy snapshots, and “Labs Live” events.
For: Members, partners, policy audiences
Member essays connecting science, communication, and leadership (800-1,200 words).
What you get: Platform to share your perspective, published on our website and newsletters.
For: CAST members, students, partner organizations
Weekly cross-media digest of CAST news and ag-science stories.
What you get: 20-30 min podcast, 1-2 min video recap, email newsletter (mid-week).
For: Members, policymakers, public
Monthly policy and regulatory briefs translating agricultural science into actionable guidance.
What you get: 800-1,200 word briefs with infographics, drawing from Publications and Labs.
For: Policymakers, regulators, partner organizations
Monthly hub for students sharing CAST Academy updates, opportunities, and success stories.
What you get: Email bulletin, opportunities board, student spotlights.
For: Students members and students at member universities
Public-facing newsletter highlighting CAST outputs for external audiences.
What you get: Monthly newsletter featuring our latest work (last Thursday each month).
For: Sponsors, partners, media, policymakers
Multimedia production hub creating video and audio content for wider reach.
What you get: Webinars, interviews, explainers, monthly “Ask the Expert” videos (5-8 min), social clips.
For: Public, educators, members
Quarterly 2-hour hybrid convenings for strategic dialogue on agricultural science and policy.
What you get: Summit attendance, readout reports, highlight reels from CAST Studio.
For: Policymakers, educators, journalists, researchers
Upcoming Summits | Past Summit Reports
CAST’s central in-person gathering combining governance, student engagement, and innovation showcases.
What you get: Conference program, student poster competition, scholarships ($1,000 awards), networking, and field tours.
For: Board members, Work Groups, students, institutional members
Recognition for excellence in agricultural science communication and leadership.
What you get:
For: Award nominees, institutions, partners
Real-time discussions connecting CAST research to live audiences (6-8/year).
Includes: Monthly “Meet the Expert” member-exclusive sessions (45-60 min with live Q&A).
What you get: Live participation, recordings, transcripts, resource bundles.
For: CAST members, partners, invited guests
Senior consultative body providing cross-sector insight on scientific, policy, and communication priorities.
What you get: Annual meeting (3-4 hours), SAC Priorities Report identifying 3-5 key themes for CAST.
For: Internal CAST leadership and program leads (by CEO invitation)
Policy briefings connecting agricultural science experts with Capitol Hill audiences on priority issues.
What you get: Expert presentations, Q&A dialogue with policymakers and staff, issue briefs.
For: Congressional staff, federal agency officials, policy stakeholders
Upcoming Hill Sessions | Past Sessions
Educational platform connecting students and early-career professionals to agricultural science communication resources and networks.
What you get: Training modules, webinars, student opportunities, connection to CAST programs and partnerships.
For: Students, faculty, early-career professionals
Expert volunteer networks organized by discipline that propose topics, contribute authors, and provide peer review for CAST programs.
What you get: Opportunity to shape CAST’s research agenda, contribute to Publications and Labs, connect with cross-sector experts.
For: CAST organizational members (participation tied to Board of Representatives)
CAST programs are designed for participation. Whether you’re contributing research, joining conversations, or accessing insights, there’s a clear path to get involved.
For Individuals:
Join as a Science Builder to access all CAST programs, contribute to Voices and Labs, and connect with agricultural science experts. Students can explore CAST Academy and U Bulletin for learning opportunities and scholarships.
For Organizations:
Partner with CAST as a Collaborator, Builder, or Influence Partner to co-lead Labs, participate in Summit Series, and amplify your organization’s voice in agricultural science communication.
Not Ready to Join?
Subscribe to CAST Connections to stay informed on our latest publications, events, and opportunities. All CAST Publications and most webinar recordings are freely available.
Subscribe to Updates | View Publications
Questions?
Our team can help you find the right program or membership level for your goals.
Contact Us | Call: (515) 766-5483 | Email: cast@cast-science.org
