The Centre for Public Engagement blog is a forum to share views, thoughts, feedback and generally chat about how the University of Bristol interacts with the public.
Friday, 27 February 2015
Engagers' Digest 27/2/2015
In this edition:
University of Bristol engagement
1. CPE Training: 9 March
2. Workshop on building relationships with civil society organisations: 9 March
3. Introductory schools public engagement training: 23 March
4. Invitation to Einstein's Garden Idea Generation Workshop: deadline 23 March
5. STEM Teach Meet for researchers: 25 March
Funding and awards
6. British Science Festival Award Lecture Nominations: deadline 2 March
7. Public engagement grants from the Society for Endocrinology
Events and training
8. Science Learning+ Conference in Cambridge: 12-13 March
9. Being Human Festival; get involved: deadline 17 April
10. Online Science Communication Course at UWE: starting 20 April
11. Communicate 2015; Challenging Partnerships: 10-11 November
News and opportunities
12. Science Show Off; performer sign up: 19 March
13. Science Gallery London; open call for content: deadline 22 March
14. BSA Media Fellowships: deadline 3 April
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Engagers' Digest 24/10/13
University of Bristol engagement
1. Two student internship positions (comms and events): application deadline 20 November
2. Schools Public Engagement training: 10 December
3. Two student internship positions (press office): application deadline 8 November
Funding
4. The Biochemical Society Scientific outreach grants: deadline 18 April 2014
Events
5. danceroom Spectroscopy Festival: 25-26 October, Bristol
6. Sign up for Science Showoff Bristol 4: 21 November, Bristol
7. Framing Biodiversity event: 21 November, Sheffield
8. STFC Public Engagement Symposium: 25 November, Birmingham
9. Mobile Apps in Research Summit: 4 December, Birmingham
10. British Science Association conference dates for 2014
Other news
11. Wellcome Trust announces ring-fenced funding for public engagement
12. Bristol Green Volunteers Awards 2013: nominations deadline 4 November 2013
13. Chemistry World science communication competition 2013: deadline 31 January 2014
14. Young physicists wanted for 3 minute wonder competition
Thursday, 23 May 2013
Engagers' Digest 23/5/13
University of Bristol engagement
1. Volunteering at Bristol Festival of Nature: 15-16 June
2. Paid evaluation work at Bristol Festival of Nature: 15-16 June
3. PolicyBristol: influencing policy through world-class research
Funding
4. The Classical Association grants: deadlines 1 June and 1 September
5. Connected Communities Funding call: deadline 16 July
6. Wellcome Trust Broadcast Development Awards: deadline 19 July
7. Wellcome Trust People Awards: deadline 26 July
8. The Biochemical Society Scientific Outreach grants: deadline 30 September
Events
9. Public Engagement event at University of Exeter: 18 June
Other news
10. Wanted: Magician in Residence: deadline 10 June
11. Getting involved with ’Bristopia’, At-Bristol: 21 June, 6.30pm
12. Volunteering opportunity for The Big Bang South West: 27 June, Exeter
13. Research Fortnight: How to become a policy savvy researcher
University of Bristol engagement
1. Volunteering at Bristol Festival of Nature: 15-16 June
We are looking for staff and students to help out at the Festival of Nature, the UK's largest free celebration of the natural world, which takes place on the 15 - 16 June. With hands-on exhibits and activities, the Bristol Festival of Nature gives wildlife enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to explore, enjoy and get close to the natural world in the heart of the city.
Volunteers can help out on a variety of University of Bristol exhibits on themes such as urine infections and microbes, collective complexity, and plant pathology. There's also the chance to volunteer for the Seeds of Change project tent where there will be a range of artistic activities related to the project. For further information please contact Miriea Bes, Centre for Public Engagement, on email: mireia.bes@bristol.ac.uk or tel: 0117 3318315.
Web: http://www.bnhc.org.uk/home/festival.html.
2. Paid evaluation work at Bristol Festival of Nature: 15-16 June
We are looking for someone to manage and coordinate a team of evaluators during the Bristol Festival of Nature festival. You will be paid around £125 for the weekend (lunch and refreshments will be provided); previous experience in carrying out survey work is required.
We also have a few remaining places for people to carry out surveys of the festival-goers as part of the evaluation of the festival. Evaluators will be paid £2.50 per survey (which should be about £50 per day); lunch and refreshments will also be provided and you will have a chance to experience the Festival. Previous experience is not required as training will be provided. This is a great opportunity to gain experience in conducting surveys, especially for those who work with public participants as part of their research.
For further information please contact Kate Miller, Centre for Public Engagement, on email: kate.miller@bristol.ac.uk or tel: 0117 3318321.
Web: http://www.bnhc.org.uk/home/festival.html.
3. PolicyBristol: influencing policy through world-class research
The PolicyBristol website has gone live http://www.bris.ac.uk/policybristol/.
PolicyBristol is a new initiative within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law. It will be a key vehicle for strengthening our contribution to effective policy development and delivery. The project will be launched publicly later in the year. The team would welcome your engagement in the project, contributions to the blog and feedback on the website. Deborah Wilson, d.wilson@bristol.ac.uk, is Director and Georgina Brereton the Coordinator, georgina.brereton@bristol.ac.uk. Funding is available to support policy engagement activities.
https://www.bris.ac.uk/fssl/current-staff/research-information/policybristol/.
Funding
4. The Classical Association grants: deadlines 1 June and 1 September
The Classical Association awards grants with a total value in the region of £60,000 each year to classical projects. Outreach events are eligible if they tend towards the promotion of public awareness of the importance of classics and/or support classics in schools. Activities might include: public talks or small interactive sessions on the Classical world, reading and discussion groups, and theatrical performances.
For more information see web: http://www.classicalassociation.org/grants.html
5. Connected Communities Funding call: deadline 16 July
The Arts and Humanities Research Council, working in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund, wishes to invite applications for a small number of co-ordinating centres to support community engagement activities to connect academic and public histories of the First World War and its legacy. The centres will be expected to act as beacons for community outreach, engagement and collaboration between research organisations and researchers and community groups who are interested in researching and commemorating the First World War, the broader historical and cultural context of the War and its legacy and impact.
If you are interested in being involved or would like more information, contact Valerie Aspin/Jean Pretlove on email: rdm-arts@bristol.ac.uk at the earliest opportunity. Participation to this scheme will need to be approved by the Faculty.
6. Wellcome Trust Broadcast Development Awards: deadline 19 July
The Broadcast Development Awards support the development of broadcast proposals in any genre that engage the audience with issues around biomedical science in an innovative, entertaining and accessible way. The Trust are interested in funding individuals and organisations with brilliant early-stage ideas for TV, radio, new media or gaming projects. The funding, of up to £10,000 will enable these ideas to be developed into high-impact, well-researched proposals that can be used to secure a broadcast platform and/or further funding.
For more information see web: http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/funding/public-engagement/funding-schemes/broadcast-development-awards/index.htm
7. Wellcome Trust People Awards: deadline 26 July
People Awards are for innovative and creative projects that encourage public debate and understanding of biomedical science. They can fund small-to-medium-sized one-off projects or projects that pilot new ideas with an aim to scale up or become sustainable following the grant, or they can part-fund larger projects (up to and including £30 000).
For more information see web: http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Public-engagement/Funding-schemes/People-and-Society-Awards/index.htm
8. The Biochemical Society Scientific Outreach grants: deadline 30 September
Grants are available to support activities and events that help communicate the excitement of molecular bioscience to young people and the community. Applications are invited for sums up to £1000 to assist with the direct costs associated with an event and expenses incurred (e.g. transport and/or teacher cover).
For more information see web: http://www.biochemistry.org/Grants/EducationalGrants/ScientificOutreachGrants.aspx
Events and training
9. Public Engagement event at University of Exeter: 18 June
Many research funders are increasing their requirements for public engagement, but what does this really mean when it comes to writing a research proposal or delivering a project? Join in this event organised by the University of Exeter and have the opportunity to speak directly with the research councils and trusts.
For more information see web: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/news/events/details/index.php?event=1054
Other news
10. Wanted: Magician in Residence: deadline 10 June
Watershed and the University of Bristol are disrupting normal residency service and inviting a magician, artist, illusionist or designer to join them for a spell of exploration into creative ideas that blend technology, interaction design, magic and illusion.
Suggested skills: Disappearing interfaces, conjuring circuits, pulling robotic rabbits out of haptic hats.
Further information:
http://www.watershed.co.uk/get-involved/opportunities/2013-06-10/wanted-magician-in-residence/
11. Getting involved with ’Bristopia’, At-Bristol: 21 June, 6.30pm
'Bristopia' is a popular After Hours events where adults get to experience the At-Bristol science centre without the kids. The theme for ‘Bristopia’ is the science of sustainability, climate change and specifically Bristol’s future as a green city. At-Bristol would like to invite other organisations and individuals to participate in the evening to create a broad picture of Bristol as green city, to include the latest thinking and to give you the opportunity to engage with this important and influential audience.
To get involved as a speaker, expert, exhibitor or helper please contact:
Email: chris.dunford@at-bristol.org.uk
http://www.at-bristol.org.uk/1740.html
12. Volunteering opportunity for The Big Bang South West: 27 June, Exeter
The Big Bang is the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths for young people in the UK. The Big Bang South West at the University of Exeter on 27th June needs volunteers to support the events team in a number of roles.
Further information from: http://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/nearme/volunteer.cfm
email: volunteers@thebigbangfair.co.uk
13. Research Fortnight: How to become a policy savvy researcher
This resource lists the support available to researchers to help them gain a better understanding of policy making and how best to bring their work to the attention of those who should be using it.
http://www.researchprofessional.com/0/rr/news/uk/careers/2013/4/how-to-become-a-policy-savvy-researcher.html;jsessionid=51481BE4557227CF4BC4797ED2C29EE7
Friday, 18 November 2011
Of cakes and elephants – communicating environmental issues
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Engagers' Digest 12/10/11
University of Bristol engagement
- Centre for Public Engagement – Engage 2011 slides [all fields; all levels]
- InsideArts festival including public discussion ‘Art for art’s sake’: 7.30 pm, 20 October 2011, Watershed [all fields; all levels]
- University of Bristol workshop on public engagement and the REF: 15 November 2011 [all fields]
- Calls for student nominations, Convocation Awards: deadline 4 November 2011 [all fields; students]
- The Art of Science exhibition: 17 November 2011, 5-6 pm [all fields; all levels]
- JISC Grant Funding: embedding impact analysis good practice in research using business and community engagement practitioners: deadline 31 October 2011 [all fields; all levels]
- AHRC/ESRC Connected Communities Programme – call to tender to develop a public dialogue activity: deadline 22 November 2011 [Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences]
- AHRC/ESRC Joint Call ‘Community Engagement and Mobilisation’: deadline 14 December 2011 [Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences]
- European Commission call for proposals “Researchers’ Night 2012”: deadline 10 January 2012 [all fields; all levels]
- Science in Society work programme – call for proposals ‘Mobilisation and Mutual Learning Action Plan’: deadline 22 February 2012 [all fields; all levels]
- NCCPE Engage 2011 29-30 November 2011 – programme now available [all fields; all levels]
- AHRC event ‘Public Engagement in the Arts and Humanities’: 27 October 2011, London [Arts, Humanities; all levels]
- STEM Outreach Practitioners CoP event ‘Outreach and Widening Participation in Practice: Sharing Activities and Ideas across STEM Disciplines’: 2 November 2011 [STEM; all levels]
- Communicate 2011 ‘Nature, People, Economics’: 2-3 November 2011 [all fields; all levels]
- University of Warwick Seminar Series ‘Questionnaires as a method of evaluating impacts of public engagement and non-formal learning’: 16 November 2011 [all fields; all levels]
- The Royal Society’s Local Heroes programme – a workshop on 22 November 2011, Bristol [all fields; all levels]
- People and Research South West training ‘An introduction to public involvement in research’: 22 November 2011 [health; all levels]
- Science Communication Conference – dates announced as 14-15 May 2012; Kings Place, London [STEM; all levels]
- School Science Cafes outreach opportunity [STEM; all levels]
- Call for submission of articles to new journal: DEMESCI [all fields; all levels]
- INVOLVE membership applications: deadline 31 October 2011 [health; all levels]
- BNHC - Media and Heritage Placement Opportunity: deadline 11 November 2011 [Heritage; all levels]
University of Bristol engagement
1. Centre for Public Engagement – Engage 2011
The slides of the presentations made by all the speakers at Engage 2011 are now available,
web: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/public-engagement/staff/training/engage2011.html
2. InsideArts festival including public discussion ‘Art for art’s sake’: 7.30 pm, 20 October 2011, Watershed
There are just a few days remaining until the University of Bristol’s first Festival of the Arts and Humanities.
The Festival ends with a public discussion ‘Art for art’s sake’ to discuss the role of the Arts and Humanities in society? To book
email: insidearts-watershed@bristol.ac.uk tel: +44 (0)117 9288515
The full InsideArts programme can be viewed at
web: http://bristol.ac.uk/inside-arts/programme
3. University of Bristol workshop on public engagement and the REF: 15 November 2011
This workshop is relevant for: impact directors, academics who are thinking of putting forward a case study that has a large public engagement component, impact expert support team.
The session will cover how impact through public engagement can be described and evidenced for the REF. It will be led by Maggie Leggett, Head of the Centre for Public Engagement, who worked closely with the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement and HEFCE to develop the discussion paper that was made available to REF panels to help them develop their guidelines on public engagement. The workshop will include an update on current thinking and an opportunity to discuss case studies in groups.
Date: Tuesday 15 November, 2-4 pm
Venue: University precinct; details will be circulated to attendees.
To register, please email amanda.edmondson@bristol.ac.uk
Further details are available from Maggie Leggett, maggie.leggett@bristol.ac.uk
4. Calls for student nominations, Convocation Awards: deadline 4 November 2011
Celebrate the success of a student (UG and PG) who has made a positive contribution to university life by nominating them for a Convocation Award. The 2011 Awards will be announced at the Convocation Reception on 8 December 2011 and the winners will each receive a £500 prize. The award may be given for any field and can include public engagement with more details and the application procedure from
web: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/alumni/get-involved/groups/convocation/awards/
The closing date for nominations is Friday 4 November 2011.
5. The Art of Science exhibition: 5-6 pm 17 November 2011
A wine reception and prize-giving hosted by Sir Michael Berry. Come and see a science-inspired art exhibition, from researchers here at the University including all the entries from the 2011 competition. All welcome!
Venue: E29 foyer, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk
Web: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/fmvs/artofscience
Funding
1. JISC Grant Funding: embedding impact analysis good practice in research using business and community engagement practitioners: deadline 31 October 2011
Up to £240,000 available for 8 projects of up to £30,000 each and 6 months duration starting from January 2012. Further information from
web: http://www.jisc.ac.uk/fundingopportunities/funding_calls/2011/09/grantcall15_11.aspx
2. AHRC/ESRC Connected Communities Programme – call to tender to develop a public dialogue activity: deadline 22 November 2011
Up to £15,000 to be awarded inclusive of VAT. Further details from
web: http://www.esrc.ac.uk/funding-and-guidance/funding-opportunities/17540/latest-opportunity-6.aspx
3. AHRC/ESRC Joint Call ‘Community Engagement and Mobilisation’: deadline 14 December 2011
The AHRC, in funding partnership with the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), working together under the Connected Communities Programme, have issued a joint call for outline proposals for two large research grants (up to £2.4m fec each) in the area of community engagement and mobilisation. It is expected that one large grant, drawing on insights from across the social sciences and arts and humanities will be made in each of the following areas: Making of Engagement and Regulation of Engagement.
Web: http://www.esrc.ac.uk/funding-and-guidance/funding-opportunities/17540/latest-opportunity-6.aspx
4. European Commission call for proposals “Researchers’ Night 2012”: deadline 10 January 2012
The Researchers' Night will be an occasion for a European-wide public and media event for the promotion of research careers. Activities should to be focused on the public at large, and feature researchers being actively involved and directly in contact with the public.
Web: http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/page/people?callIdentifier=FP7-PEOPLE-2012-NIGHT
5. Science in Society work programme – call for proposals ‘Mobilisation and Mutual Learning Action Plan’: deadline 22 February 2012
This call aims to finance Mobilisation and Mutual Learning Action Plans on Societal Challenges under 3 themes: Synthetic biology; ‘Human enhancement’ technologies; Healthy and active aging.
A brochure is available at web:
http://ec.europa.eu/research/science-society/document_library/pdf_06/mobilisation-mutual-learning-work-programme-2012_en.pdf
Further information from web:
http://ec.europa.eu/research/science-society/index.cfm?fuseaction=public.topic&id=1221
Events & courses
1. NCCPE Engage 2011 29-30 November 2011 – programme now available
Venue: The Bristol Hotel, Prince Street, Bristol, BS1 4QF
Further information web:
www.publicengagement.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/engage-2011-making-impact
To register visit: https://www.survey.bris.ac.uk/nccpe/engage2011/
2. AHRC event ‘Public Engagement in the Arts and Humanities’: 27 October 2011, London
The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) invites you to a one-day event in London to examine both the strategic and the practical challenges for researchers working in the arts and humanities wanting to engage with the public.
The event will also include a session on an upcoming AHRC call on public and community engagement (Research for Community Heritage), part of the Connected Communities programme. In addition, the results of the 2011 AHRC survey on public engagement in the arts and humanities will be presented for the first time.
Date: 10am – 4pm, 27 October 2011
Venue: Avonmouth House, London
Register by 19 October at
web: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AHRCPE
Further information at web: http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/News/Events/Pages/PEintheArtsandHumanities2011.aspx
3. STEM Outreach Practitioners CoP event ‘Outreach and Widening Participation in Practice: Sharing Activities and Ideas across STEM Disciplines’: 2 November 2011
This one day workshop, supported by the National HE STEM Programme, and organised by the University of Exeter, will explore how higher and further educational institutions, schools, professional bodies and other STEM-related organisations can work together to raise pupils’ aspirations, engage pupils in STEM subjects and encourage increased participation in HE.
With a practical focus, this workshop is intended primarily for two audiences: those considering engaging in Outreach and/or WP activities and wishing to find out more about such work; and those already involved in such activities and who would like to review or evaluate their activities.
The event is free to attend but places are limited to 60, and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Date: 10am - 4pm, 2 November 2011
Venue: At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5BD
To register visit web:
http://www.hestem.ac.uk/event/he-stem-event/outreach-and-widening-participation-practice-sharing-activities-and-ideas-across
For a listing of all the events in this series see web: http://www.hestem-sw.org.uk/news-and-events/events/
4. Communicate 2011 ‘Nature, People, Economics’: 2-3 November 2011
Communicate is the annual conference for environmental communicators – bringing together a mix of NGO’s, media professionals, business/CSR, academics and policy makers. Get informed and get involved with the crucial current and upcoming debates in the sector, and get direct feedback on your own communication campaigns.
Venue: The Council House, College Green, BS1 5TR
Web: http://www.bnhc.org.uk/home/communicate.html
Email: Ben Connor ben@bnhc.org.uk
5. University of Warwick Seminar Series ‘Questionnaires as a method of evaluating impacts of public engagement and non-formal learning’: 16 November 2011
Bringing together engagement, learning and communication practitioners, evaluators and academic researchers with a shared interest in 'impact'. This seminar will offer insights into the ways in which questionnaires can be used to access a wide range of outcomes. It also offers 'top tips' that every consumer or producer of questionnaire-based evidence of impacts should know. Date: 11am – 4pm 16 November 2011 Cost: £75 including lunch
Register at: web:
https://jensen.wufoo.com/forms/evaluating-impacts-seminar-series-registration/
6. The Royal Society’s Local Heroes programme – a workshop on 22 November 2011, Bristol
Aimed primarily at smaller organisations that traditionally do not have a science focus, such as museums, galleries, archives and libraries this opportunity may be of relevance to some readers. The focus is on developing science activities for schools. Admission is free.
Venue: SS Great Britain
To book visit: http://royalsociety.org/education/local-heroes/
Email: education@royalsociety.org
7. People and Research South West training ‘An introduction to public involvement in research’: 22 November 2011
People and Research South West is a collaborative initiative to support researchers to involve the public in health and social care research, and to support the public in getting involved. We are a partnership of NHS organisations, the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol. This half day course is intended for researchers who would like to involve members of the public in their research projects more effectively. We will consider different models of involvement including how the public can be involved on research panels, advisory groups, as research partners, peer researchers and user-led research. The training will be co-facilitated by Professor David Evans and Research Partner, Rosemary Davies, of the University of the West of England.
Date: 2-5 pm 22 November 2011
Venue: University Hospitals Bristol Education Centre, Upper Maudlin Street, BS2 8AE. Attendance free but booking is required in advance.
Web: http://hls.uwe.ac.uk/suci/people-and-research-south-west.aspx
Email: catrin.richards@uwe.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0)117 3288809
8. Science Communication Conference – dates announced as 14-15 May 2012; Kings Place, London
A call for proposals will follow shortly.
web: http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/ScienceCommunicationConference
Other news
1. School Science Cafes outreach opportunity
Would you like to share your passion and enthusiasm with the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians? The Gordano School Science Cafes have been running for two years and are always well attended by interested 14 to 16 year olds from North Somerset schools. The format is the same as normal science cafes; a 20 minute presentation by an expert (you!), followed by a short break for refreshments, before finishing with a question and answer session. So if you’re a scientist, engineer or mathematician looking to reach young people in the local area and would like to deliver a science café please do get in contact.
My name is Mark Nelson and I can be contacted at
email: mark.nelson2@n-somerset.gov.uk or tel: +44 (0)1275 885301.
2. Call for submission of articles to new journal: DEMESCI
The Journal of Deliberative Mechanisms in Science (DEMESCI) is an interdisciplinary journal that publishes articles about the relationship between science and the rest of society. Specifically, the journal is dedicated to the mechanisms and methodologies that allow the public to participate in scientific decision-making. The first issue will be available in February 2012.
email: demesci@revistashipatia.com
web: http://www.revistashipatia.com/index.php/demesci
3. INVOLVE membership applications: deadline 31 October 2011
INVOLVE has a key national role supporting public involvement in NHS, public health and social care research. They are looking for people with an understanding and experience of public involvement in research to become members and join their Working Groups. The deadline for making an application for membership of INVOVE is 12 noon on Monday 31st October 2011. Further information from
web: http://www.invo.org.uk/Membership.asp
email: membership@invo.org.uk tel: +44 (0) 2380 651088
4. BNHC - Media and Heritage Placement Opportunity: deadline 11 November 2011
The Bristol Natural History Consortium has been awarded a four year grant (2010-2014) from Heritage Lottery Fund to deliver short placements training new media skills in a heritage context. Applications are now open for the third placement, which will take place from January– June, 2012. Placements are full-time in the BNHC office and trainees receive a monthly bursary stipend of £1200. For further details and an application form please visit
web: http://www.bnhc.org.uk/home/about/skills.html Email: sarah@bnhc.org.uk
Monday, 19 September 2011
Engagers’ Digest – 19/9/11
In this edition of the Digest:
University of Bristol engagement
- Centre for Public Engagement – Engage 2011 and Discover 2012 [all fields; all levels]
- Talk – ‘Will the real science please stand up?’ - 7 October 2011 3 pm [STEM; all levels]
- InsideArts – The University of Bristol Festival of the Arts and Humanities 18-20 October 2011 [all fields; all levels]
- Poetry Translation Competition for students: submission deadline 30 September 2011 [all fields; students]
- Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2012: proposals deadline 24 October 2011 [STEM; all levels]
- Volunteers to talk to Bristol's older people [all fields; all levels]
- Volunteers for Black History Day on 1 November 2011 [Arts & Humanities and Education; all levels]
Funding
- RCUK – update on Catalysts public engagement funding [all fields; all levels]
- Association of Art Historians - Museum bursary: deadline 19 November 2011 [AAH members; all levels]
- Institute of Physics Public Engagement Grant Scheme 2012 – deadline 7 November 2011 [physics; all levels]
Events & courses
- Ri training ‘How to engage with 7 to 11 year olds’: 24 September 2011 [STEM; all levels]
- Public Engagement Workshops for EPSRC-funded researchers: 30 September 2011 [EPSRC-funded researchers]
- National Science & Engineering Week Info Sessions – 5 October 2011 [STEM; all levels]
- Communicate 2011 ‘Nature, People, Economics’: 2-3 November 2011 [all fields; all levels]
- FameLab science communication competition: 12 November 2011 [STEM; all levels]
- NCCPE Engage 2011 29-30 November 2011 – registration now open [all fields; all levels]
- Community of Practice for STEM Outreach and WP Practitioners - Shadowing Scheme [STEM; all levels]
- Bright Club Bristol: volunteers needed [all fields; all levels]
- ESRC Cabinet Office internship: closing date 30 September 2011 [social sciences; ESRC PhD award holders]
- ESRC Home Office (UK Border Agency) internship: closing date 30 September 2011 [social sciences; ESRC PhD award holders]
- STFC/POST postgraduate placement scheme: closing date 10 October 2011 [STEM; STFC PhD students]
- MRC Policy internship scheme: closing date 31 October 2011 [medical research; MRC PhD students]
University of Bristol engagement
1. Centre for Public Engagement
Engage 2011 - Just a few days to go until the University’s Engage conference on 29 September so if you’d like to make a last minute registration visit web: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/public-engagement/staff/training/engage2011.html
Discover 2012: Thursday 8 March – Saturday 10 March
Discover is a free, hands-on festival of research that takes place in the heart of Bristol. It is an opportunity for members of the public to come and meet University of Bristol students and academics, to discuss the latest research happening in the city, and get involved in a whole host of demonstrations, challenges and experiments. The aim is to inspire and enthuse local people with University of Bristol research, and open up discussions about the current cutting-edge work and discoveries made in their city.
If you would like to get involved, or are planning your own public event around this time and would like to link with Discover, please contact Dane Comerford on dane.comerford@bristol.ac.uk, tel: +44 (0) 117 3318315
2. Talk – ‘ Will the real science please stand up?’ - 7 October 2011 3pm
A lecture on public engagement with science by Dr Michael Brooks. This lecture will explore the truth about science and scientists and the implications for public engagement with science on fronts as diverse as the media, education, climate change and chats in the pub. Michael Brooks is a New Scientist consultant and the author of Free Radicals: The Secret Anarchy of Science and 13 Things That Don’t Make Sense: The Most Intriguing Scientific Mysteries of our Times.
Venue: Lecture Theatre A1.4, School of Medical Sciences. Admission free.
Further information: phil.langton@bristol.ac.uk
3. InsideArts – The University of Bristol Festival of the Arts and Humanities: 18-20 October 2011
The Arts Faculty is holding the University of Bristol's first Arts Festival, InsideArts. There will be three keynote lectures on themes central to the Arts Faculty, and a range of complementary events and activities such as public talks and workshops, musical performance and a screening of student films.
The Festival culminates in a public discussion at the Watershed on 20 October 7.30 pm - Art for art’s sake? - chaired by Professor Jon Keating, Dean of Science, in which three academics from the Faculty of Arts and three external speakers address the issue of why Arts and Humanities matter.
Further information from web: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/festival tel: +44 (0)117 92 88515, email: inside-arts@bristol.ac.uk
4. Poetry Translation Competition for students: submission deadline 30 September 2011
Fancy your hand at translating poetry? Then why not put your language skills into practice and enter our poetry translation competition. Run as part of the University’s InsideArts festival and open to students at Bristol, Bath and Exeter Universities, the results will be announced at a public event during the festival on 19 October. Modern and classical languages, and British Sign Language are all accepted. Submission deadline: 30 September 2011.
For further information, please see
web: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/festival/poetry-competition.html and http://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/festival/programme/#poetry-workshop
5. Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2012: proposals deadline 24 October 2011
Would you like the opportunity to promote your research to a wide public audience and other key influencers? Each year the Royal Society selects teams from the cutting edge of UK science and technology to showcase their research. The 2012 Summer Science Exhibition will take place from 3 -8 July; why not submit a proposal to be one of the exhibitors in 2012?
For further information see http://royalsociety.org/How-to-exhibit/
Deadline for proposals is Monday 24 October 2011.
Please contact Dane Comerford at the Centre for Public Engagement if you have an idea for an exhibit and are considering applying – we can help you with your proposal, applying for funding and project management; dane.comerford@bristol.ac.uk, tel (0117) 3318315.
6. Volunteer to talk to Bristol's older people
The Students' Union and LinkAge Bristol are looking for volunteers to talk to local older people's groups about fascinating topics (be they academic subjects, personal interests or areas of expertise). If you think you could deliver a talk in an accessible and enjoyable way, and for more information, please email: rachel.miller@bristol.ac.uk.
7. Volunteers for Black History Day on 1 November 2011
The Students’ Union is running a Black History Day on 1 November for school students from 3 local schools. The day will include cultural (music, drama, dance) events and educational workshops. If anybody would like to get involved; to run a workshop, talk or session for year 7 and 8 students that broadly fits the theme of Black History Month, we would love to hear from them. For more information, please email: rachel.miller@bristol.ac.uk.
Funding
1. RCUK – update on Catalysts funding
For information: you may have seen the RCUK call for funding ‘Public Engagement with Research: Catalysts’. We have been informed that the University of Bristol will not be eligible for this funding as Bristol was part of the original Beacons for Public Engagement initiative.
2. Institute of Physics Public Engagement Grant Scheme 2012 – deadline 7 November 2011
The first round of the 2012 Public Engagement Grant from the Institute of Physics is now open for applications. The grants are worth up to £1000 and aim to support physics-based outreach activities in the UK and Ireland throughout 2012. Activities should provide engaging experiences of physics to public audiences. web: http://www.iop.org/activity/outreach/
email: physics.society@iop.org.
3. Association of Art Historians - Museum bursary: deadline 19 November 2011
This scheme aims to create a cross-dialogue between university-level teachers and researchers and museum and gallery curators, and to promote art historical research and its dissemination in museums and galleries through collaboration and individual awards. Awards are tenable for a maximum of 12 months and are worth between £200 and £5,000.
web: http://www.aah.org.uk/page/3248
Events & courses
1. Ri training ‘How to engage with 7 to 11 year olds’: 24 September 2011
The Royal Institution of Great Britain is holding a one day training course to help improve scientists’ and engineers’ abilities to engage with 7-11 year olds. web: http://www.rigb.org/contentControl?action=displayEvent&id=1194
2. Public Engagement Workshops for EPSRC-funded researchers: 30 September 2011
A workshop for full-time academic researchers funded by EPSRC with at least 2 years post-doc research experience. venue: Bristol Zoo web:
http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/ScienceinSociety/EPSRC_workshops/index.htm
email: events@britishscienceassociation.org
3. National Science & Engineering Week Info Sessions: 5 October 2011
The National Science & Engineering Week (NSEW) takes place next year from 9–18 March 2012 with the theme “our world in motion.” An information session for NSEW is being run in Bristol on date 5 October 2011 at 6 pm. Come along and find out how you can take part. Venue: SS Great Britain, Viridor Theatre, Western Dockyard, BS1 6TY Further information from web:
http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/NSEW/AboutNSEW/InfoSessions/index.htm?source=pscicom&creative=infosess2
To register: http://nsew-bristol.eventbrite.com
4. Communicate 2011 ‘Nature, People, Economics’: 2-3 November 2011
Communicate is the annual conference for environmental communicators – bringing together a mix of NGO’s, media professionals, business/CSR, academics and policy makers. Get informed and get involved with the crucial current and upcoming debates in the sector, and get direct feedback on your own communication campaigns. Join us this year for a special focus on:
• The new models of communication –Robin Ince from BBC Radio 4’s Infinite Monkey Cage on using comedy to make a difference
• Reconnecting Nature and Economics – debated by experts from all fields including Futerra, Juliet Davenport of Good Energy, Coca-Cola, RSPB, New Economics Foundation.
• An overview of the Natural Environment White Paper, and a chance to influence the future third sector and policy cooperation of the “Living with Environmental Change” programme.
• Communicating difficult issues – led by Aubrey Manning and Mark Lynas
• The Psychology of Persuasion – with international guests Zoos Victoria presenting their world leading campaign that forever changed the perspective of zoo visitors in Australia.
venue: The Council House, College Green, BS1 5TR
web: http://www.bnhc.org.uk/home/communicate.html
email: Ben Connor ben@bnhc.org.uk
5. FameLab science communication competition: 12 November 2011
Beacon for Wales is hosting one of six autumn regional heats of FameLab, the UK's biggest competition for new talent to engage the public in science. The Cardiff heat will take place in Chapter Arts Centre on 12 November 2011. The winner of the regional heats will get the chance to take part in a weekend Masterclass with Professor of Science and Society and Science communication, Kathy Sykes, and experienced trainer, specialising in media & communication skills, Malcolm Love before vying for the title of FameLab champion at the National Final on 21 March 2012 at the Royal Institution of Great Britain where they will have the chance to take home £1,750 to further their career. web: http://famelab.org/uk email: beacon@cardiff.ac.uk
6. NCCPE Engage 2011 29-30 November 2011
Registration now open. Venue: The Bristol Hotel, Prince Street, Bristol, BS1 4QF
Further information web:
http://www.publicengagement.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/engage-2011-making-impact
To register visit: https://www.survey.bris.ac.uk/nccpe/engage2011/
7. Community of Practice for STEM Outreach and WP Practitioners - Shadowing Scheme
On offer from HE STEM is a Shadowing Scheme. A school teacher or FE lecturer can spend a day in a university shadowing a lecturer and/or student on a programme relevant to their discipline. In turn, a member of the university's teaching staff can visit a school/FE college to shadow the teacher/ FE lecturer/student for a day. Thereby providing opportunities for schools, FE colleges and universities to develop more collaborative relationships and provide better support for students in their transition to higher education. The scheme will reimburse reasonable travel and out of pocket expenses in return for reflective evaluations of shadowing activities.
web: http://labspace.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6767 email: Laura Bonner at m.l.bonner@exeter.ac.uk
8. Bright Club Bristol: volunteers needed
Following the success of Bright Club in London a similar event is being organised for Bristol. Billed as the 'Thinking Person's Variety Night' if you would like to volunteer to take part please contact Hayley Birch on hayley@soundsofscience.co.uk
web: http://www.brightclub.org/
Internships & placements
1. ESRC Cabinet Office internship: closing date 30 September 2011
This joint initiative is an opportunity for current ESRC PhD award holders to undertake an internship at the Cabinet Office working on a topic grounded in the social sciences. Full-time students will receive a funded extension to their award covering the length of the internship and up to a maximum of £3,000 (based on a three-month internship) for travel and accommodation expenses.
http://www.esrc.ac.uk/funding-and-guidance/funding-opportunities/2364/Student_Internship_Scheme_.aspx
2. ESRC Home Office (UK Border Agency) internship: closing date 30 September 2011
This joint initiative is an opportunity for current ESRC PhD award holders in full-time study or part-time equivalent to undertake an internship at the Home Office working on a topic grounded in the social sciences. The aim of the project will be to contribute evidence to answer key policy or operational questions in the area of UK migration.
http://www.esrc.ac.uk/funding-and-guidance/funding-opportunities/16975/ESRC_and_Home_Office_UK_Border_Agency_internship_initiative_.aspx
3. STFC/POST postgraduate placement scheme: closing date 10 October 2011
The scheme provides an opportunity for a postgraduate to be seconded to the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology to assist in providing objective briefing material for MPs and Peers for a three months period.
http://www.stfc.ac.uk/Resources/pdf/2012POSTSTFCApplication.pdf
4. Medical Research Council policy internship scheme: closing date 31 October 2011
Under this scheme, MRC-funded PhD students will have the opportunity to undertake a three-month policy internship at the Academy of Medical Science offices in central London. Students will be supported by a three-month extension to their MRC PhD stipend while they are based at the academy.
http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Fundingopportunities/Fellowships/Policyinternshipscheme/MRC008130
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Engagers' Digest - 5/5/2011
In this edition of the Digest:
- Volunteering with the Bristol Natural History Consortium - May and June 2011 [all fields; all levels]
- Wellcome Trust science writing prize - deadline 20 May 2011 [all fields; all levels]
- Business and Community Engagement CPD Focus Group - 25 May 2011 [all fields; all levels]
- ESRC Festival of Social Science - funding deadline 3 June 2011 [social sciences; all levels]
- British Science Festival bursaries - deadline 15 July 2011 [all fields; students]
- British Science Association Science in Society e-newsletter [sciences, social sciences; all levels]
- New IPSOS-MORI public attitudes to science report released [sciences; all levels]
1. Volunteering with the Bristol Natural History Consortium - May and June 2011
The University is a partner in the Bristol Natural History Consortium and we will have a strong presence showcasing University research at this year's Festival of Nature (17-19 June 2011). We'll also be contributing to this year's Bristol Bioblitz - a race against the clock to find as many species as possible in the National Trust Tyntesfield Estate (20-21 May 2011)
There are a number of excellent volunteering opportunities with BNHC, including volunteering at the Bioblitz, the Festival and the possibility of a free Glastonbury ticket with a new event called 'Meet the Species'. See this blog post for more information - http://centreforpublicengagement.blogspot.com/2011/05/volunteering-with-bristol-natural.html - or go to the BNHC site.
2. Wellcome Trust science writing prize - deadline 20 May 2011
This exciting new competition aims to find the next generation of undiscovered science writing talent. The Wellcome Trust 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. More information at http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/swp
3. Business and Community Engagement Focus Group - 25 May 2011
AURIL and JISC are running a series of focus groups to shape the development of a new national framework to support continuing professional development for Business and Community Engagement (BCE). They are looking for people to take part in the events.
The focus events are open to all staff involved in BCE activities in higher and further education, Public Sector Research Establishments (PSREs) including Research Councils and Beacons for Public Engagement. The event in Bristol is on 25 May - more information - http://bit.ly/eIFXQU
The ESRC Festival of Social Science will be taking place in 2011 from 29 October to 5 November. Applications to participate in the Festival are now welcome and are available at www.esrcfestival.ac.uk.
Two types of applications are available:
a) Applying for support of up to £2000 -- due 3 June
b) Applying for event to be listed: non-supported -- due 17 June
The Festival welcomes event applications targeting a non-academic audience including young people, third sector, the public, business or government.
The guidelines around the aims of the Festival and how to apply are in the Application Guidelines under Organise an Event.
5. British Science Festival Student Bursaries - deadline 15 July 2011
The British Science Festival student bursary scheme enables Universities to sponsor students to attend the largest annual public science event in Europe - this year in Bradford from 10th -15th September- for £350. This price includes Festival registration, accommodation for seven nights and food for the week. Bursary order forms and information about the British Science Festival are available at www.britishscienceassociation.org/studentbursary.
New resources:
6. British Science Association new Scientists in Society e-newsletter is a monthly newsletter designed especially for researchers to keep people up to date with the latest public engagement schemes run by the British Science Association and organisations that share their aim to advance the public understanding and accessibility of the sciences and engineering. Subscribe free by emailing events@britishscienceassociation.org
7. New 'public attitudes to science report' released - see http://www.publicengagement.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/public-attitudes-science-2011
Volunteering with Bristol Natural History Consortium
Volunteering opportunities with the Bristol Natural History Consortium
The University is going to have a strong presence at the Festival of Nature 2011, and is involved with the Bioblitz and with Meet the Species. Any help you can give would be brilliant, and you might even end up at Glastonbury Festival!
Do you have a love of wildlife and natural history? Or do you just enjoy getting involved in the city, helping people and meeting lots of new faces? If so, why not volunteer with the Bristol Natural History Consortium (BNHC) for a great experience this summer?
Bristol BioBlitz 2011
We need volunteers for Bristol BioBlitz at Tyntesfield Estate National Trust, Wraxall on 20th-21st May. During this free entry public event, we will be trying to find as many species of wildlife as possible on the estate against the clock and need experienced naturalists to give guided walks and help with species identification, guides to show people around and offer help with using identification keys and stewards to help run the event.
www.bnhc.org.uk/home/bioblitz/bristolbioblitz/get-involved
Bristol Festival of Nature 2011
We also need volunteers to cover a variety of activities at the Festival of Nature at Bristol Harbourside from 16th to 19th June. This is the UK’s largest celebration of nature and will see over 100 organisations providing activities and entertainment, a local foods market and the opportunity to rub shoulders with some giants of the wildlife and conservation industry.
www.bnhc.org.uk/home/festival/volunteer
Meet the Species – coming soon!
Keep an eye out for volunteering opportunities around the country with our new Meet the Species events running as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
Events are completely FREE to attend so please bring along your friends and families to unleash Bristol’s wild side this summer.
Monday, 24 August 2009
Engagers Digest
- Answer questions for Bang Goes the Theory. It's based on an online forum, so is a great way to engage with the public in a supportive environment where you can also get constructive feedback about communication.
- The British Science Festival takes place at the University of Surrey on 5-10 September 2009.
- The British Interactive Group's Little Event takes place on 7 September at Thinktank in Birmingham.
- The inaugural meeting of the Physics Communicators Group takes place from 10.30 to 4.30 on 9 September at the Institute of Physics in London.
- The first ever Festival of Innovation takes place at the Science Museum near Swindon. To get involved, contact Cheryl Hewer
- Communicate 2009, the conference for environmental and conservation communicators, takes place in Bristol on 21-22 October 2009.
- Some forthcoming deadlines for public engagement grant schemes:
- ESRC Festival of Social Science activity sponsorship (up to £2,000): 9 October 2009
- Wellcome Trust Society Awards (over £30,000) and Broadcast Development Awards (up to £10,000): 9 October 2009
- Wellcome Trust Public Engagement Awards in the History of Medicine (over £30,000): preliminary application 20 October 2009
- Wellcome Trust Arts Awards and People Awards (up to £30,000): 23 October 2009
- National Science and Engineering Week Awards (up to £2,000): 2 November 2009
- Royal Society Partnership Grants (£250-3,000): 6 November 2009
- BBSRC Public Engagement Awards (up to £5,000): 15 January 2010
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Wildlife detectives - Bristol BioBlitz

Who needs Glastonbury? The real action on the weekend of 26 June 2009 was happening just over the Clifton Suspension Bridge at the Ashton Court Estate in Bristol, where hundreds of volunteers, children and members of the public braved some damp conditions for Bristol's first ever BioBlitz.
Read the full story on the Public Engagement Stories website at the University of Bristol.
Photo by: BioBlitz Bristol