Engagers' Digest 9/4/13

In this edition:
University of Bristol engagement

1. Applications for the Vice-Chancellor's Impact Award: deadline 5pm 7 June
2. Outreach in the Faculty of Medical and Veterinary Sciences

Events

1. Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) training – 2 events: 17 April
2. Bright Club Bristol: 6 June (training 7 May)

Other news

1. ESRC media training for social science researchers
2. The 2013 Wellcome Trust Science Writing Prize: deadline 28 April
3. Society of Biology’s Science Communication Awards 2013: deadline 31 May
4. Society for Applied Microbiology Communication Award: deadline 14 June
5. Volunteering for Bristol.99/BioBlitz and Bristol Festival of Nature

University of Bristol engagement

1. Applications for the Vice-Chancellor's Impact Award: deadline 5pm 7 June 2013
The Vice-Chancellor's Impact Award acknowledges and rewards the most innovative and successful examples of research impact. Last year the award was won by Dr Peter Blair and Professor Peter Fleming for their work on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
We would encourage researchers to apply as individuals or teams. Further information, including the entry and judging criteria, and the entry form, can be found on the RED website at:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/red/nec/impactaward.html

2. Outreach in the Faculty of Medical and Veterinary Sciences
Please contact Hannah King on email: outreach-fmvs@bristol.ac.uk if you have a science background and would like more information on outreach sessions in schools and at events in the Faculty of Medical and Veterinary Sciences.

Events and training

1. Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) training – 2 events: 17 April 2013
Training organised by People and Research West of England
http://www.crncc.nihr.ac.uk/about_us/ccrn/western/ppi/prwe

· 10am – 12pm 17 April – Involving children, young people and families in health research
An opportunity to link with health research colleagues from local projects and networks and discuss the practicalities of involving children, young people and families in health research. The session will start with a presentation from Prof Barry Percy-Smith and Louca-Mai Brady (University of the West of England) on children and young people’s participation in health research, followed by an interactive session for everyone.
Venue: Glenside Campus, University of the West of England.
Admission: free, booking required in advance at:
http://www.crncc.nihr.ac.uk/about_us/ccrn/western/ppi/prwe/learning.htm

· 2pm – 5pm 17 April - An introduction to public involvement in health and social care research
This half day workshop is intended for researchers who would like to involve members of the public in their research projects more effectively.
The workshop will be co-facilitated by Professor David Evans, from the University of the West of England, and a Research Partner.
Venue: 43 Woodland Road, University of Bristol
Admission: free, booking required in advance at:
http://www.crncc.nihr.ac.uk/about_us/ccrn/western/ppi/prwe/learning.htm

For more information contact Catrin Richards on tel: 0117 3288809 or catrin.richards@uwe.ac.uk.

2. Bright Club Bristol: 6 June (training 7 May)
Bright Club are looking for local researchers who enjoy talking about their work to take part in an unusual variety night event. This is a great opportunity to do some public engagement and get a whole new perspective on your research, as well as developing speaking skills. Researchers get a short slot to talk about what they do in an amusing way and the night is sewn together by a professional comedian. Bright Club has been running for over a year in Bristol and attracts sell-out audiences. For anyone curious, free training in the art of stand up academia is provided.
Further information from web: http://brightclubbristol.wordpress.com or contact Hayley at email: hayley@soundsofscience.co.uk


Other news

1. ESRC media training for social science researchers
Preference will be given to ESRC-funded PhD students and researchers. You can see all the dates and venues on the ESRC media training page at http://www.esrc.ac.uk/mediatraining

2. The 2013 Wellcome Trust Science Writing Prize: deadline 28 April
We are looking for short articles that address any area of science and would be suitable for publication in the 'Guardian' or the 'Observer' in print and online. You must demonstrate that you have thought about and understood your audience and can bring a scientific idea to life.
http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Public-engagement/Science-Writing-Prize/index.htm

3. Society of Biology’s Science Communication Awards 2013: deadline 31 May 2013
The Awards are intended to reward outreach work carried out by both young scientists and established researchers in the biosciences to inform, enthuse and engage the public.
www.societyofbiology.org/newsandevents/scicomm

4. Society for Applied Microbiology Communication Award: deadline 14 June 2013
Nominations for the 2013 SfAM Communication Award are now open.
For more details and terms and conditions visit:
http://www.sfam.org.uk/en/grants--awards/sfam-communications-award.cfm

5. Volunteering for Bristol.99/BioBlitz and Bristol Festival of Nature
The Bristol Natural History Consortium (BNHC) is looking for volunteers to assist with six weeks of wildlife activities across the city.
Bristol.99 starts on 3 May as we explore the 99 best sites for nature in the city through a series of exciting events and activities, engaging communities across the city with their local green spaces.
Volunteers are also needed for the Bristol BioBlitz at Kings Weston Estate (3/4 May).
The Bristol Festival of Nature weekend (14-16 June) has been the highlight of the summer for Bristol’s families and wildlife enthusiasts for the last 10 years, and as always we depend heavily on volunteers to make this huge celebration of the natural world happen.
Helpers are needed from June 13th to 16th for all manner of tasks such as setting up stalls
and marquees, guiding school groups around the site and engaging and informing some of
the 15,000 visitors at the festival – a great opportunity to become a valued volunteer for
the BNHC.
No experience is necessary; just enthusiasm and willingness. To register as a volunteer you can sign up online at http://www.bnhc.org.uk/home/jobsvolunteering.html.
You need to register for BioBlitz/Bristol.99 separately from the Festival. If you have any queries contact the Volunteers Manager, Matt – matt@bnhc.org.uk, tel: 0117 317 8751.