The workshop is held in Lead, South Dakota, a rural community of about 3,000 residents and home to SURF, where the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is under construction along with LUX ZEPLIN (LZ), the most sensitive dark matter detector in the world. More than 30 other experiments operate a mile underground, creating a rare intersection between global scientific discovery and a small rural community.
Since 2011, CETUP* has provided an immersive environment where theorists and experimentalists work side by side to advance foundational science in an informal and collaborative setting. The program now draws about 70 participants each summer from universities and laboratories across the United States and internationally. Many
are early-career researchers who are building independent careers in physics, data science, and related fields.
The program includes daily talks, focused working groups, and mentoring sessions designed to promote deep discussion and new research collaborations. CETUP* has produced more than 170 publications and has supported analysis, planning, and conceptual work tied to major underground experiments at SURF. Alongside its
research outcomes, CETUP* has built a strong community presence that reflects the shared values of scientific openness, dialogue, and public benefit. CETUP* brings science into public life in Lead and the surrounding Black Hills region. These activities strengthen public access to scientific knowledge, help residents engage with complex ideas, and build pride in the role their community plays in major scientific discoveries. They also create direct connection between rural audiences and scientists from around the world, offering a model for bridging geographic, cultural, and informational divides.
Current outreach includes:
• Weekly science talks that are open to the public.
• Pub talks and casual Ask a Scientist sessions where residents can engage with visiting researchers.
• Mentoring days for undergraduate students, REU participants, and local high school groups.
• Engagement with tribal colleges and Native cultural partners who provide context about land, history, and
learning traditions.
• Participation in Neutrino Day, a community-wide science free festival that reaches thousands of visitors.
These programs increase local access to trustworthy scientific information and help scientists practice clear, accessible communication. The result is a stronger relationship between SURF, the experiments it hosts, and the rural community that supports them.
Funding support would strengthen efforts in three areas:
• Increased public talks and Q&A sessions throughout the month.
• Travel and lodging support for early-career scientists who help lead student mentoring and public engagement.
• Expanded partnerships with tribal colleges, educators, and student groups in the region.
This support will deepen community involvement and strengthen access to foundational science for rural communities that deserve to be part of the scientific conversation. It also promotes science as a shared social good by creating direct, trusted pathways between global researchers and local residents.
