Public outreach

Sanford Lab's commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. Through our Deep Talks series we introduce the public to a host of topics, including nuclear and particle physics, algorithmic art and botany. Sanford Lab Deep Talks takes place the second Thursday of each month, from October through May and is held at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center in Lead. We also travel throughout the state to deliver updates and information about Sanford Lab. Speakers from the Lab give presentations to business groups and universities, and at events, conferences and conventions. If you would like to have someone speak to your group, please contact the Communications Office.

We love it when people get excited about science. And what better way to make that happen than with a free science festival? Every year on the second Saturday in July, Sanford Lab hosts Neutrino Day. Visitors can attend science presentations, visit with scientists nearly a mile underground, tour the hoistroom, participate in fun activities for kids and a lot more.

The CORES Award is given annually by the Sanford Underground Research Facility to an individual, group, business or organization that supports Communications and Outreach Experiences in Science within the region. The award is presented at SURF's Deep Talks: Nobel Day in December each year. 

Learn more and submit nomination 

Completed in 2015, the 8,000-square-foot Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center houses exhibits on the history of Lead, Homestake Mining Company and the science at Sanford Lab, a gift shop and a breath-taking view of the Open Cut. The facility is free and open to the public.  

Learn more about the SLHVC

The Sanford Underground Research Facility Artist-in-Residence program (SURF AiR) was implemented in 2019 and is a partnership between SURF and Black Hills State University. The program is coordinated by Gina Gibson, BHSU professor of graphic communication and Sanford Lab’s 2019 artist in residence.