Showing posts with label Discover 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Discover 2012. Show all posts

Wednesday, 28 March 2012

Engagers’ Digest 28/03/12

In this edition:

University of Bristol engagement
  1. Schools' Interaction Survey
  2. Discover wrap-up
  3. Bristol Festival of Nature – call for stand ideas

Funding
  1. The Science in Society Programme Small Awards Scheme: deadline 12 April 2012
  2. Applications for ESRC Festival of Social Science: 4 May 2012

Events
  1. Science Cafe: How inflammation polices heart disease – 8pm 30 April 2012
  2. A road map to involving patients in your research – 25 May 2012
  3. New dates for Bright Club Bristol

Other news
  1. Volunteers needed for The Times Cheltenham Science Festival: deadline 4 April 2012
  2. People and Research South West - looking for examples of public involvement in research: deadline 16 April 2012
  3. Communicate 2011 - Nature, People, Economics: conference summary available online

University of Bristol engagement

1. Schools' Interaction Survey
The ways in which the University interacts with schools and colleges is vitally important for our relationship with the city/region, in attracting potential students and also as part of the work of many colleagues. We would like to understand more fully the breadth of engagement activity with schools and colleges in the local area to inform and support any further developments. Please help by completing a short questionnaire (this should take less than ten minutes and you will have the chance to win a new iPad or the cash equivalent towards conference travel expenses. If you have questions about the survey please email wan.yee@bristol.ac.uk (Graduate School of Education, Social Sciences & Law) or maggie.leggett@bristol.ac.uk (Centre for Public Engagement, Communications & Marketing).
The survey can be found at web:
https://www.survey.bris.ac.uk/gsoe/interaction/

2. Discover wrap-up
Thanks very much to everyone who took part in Discover earlier this month - we are making plans for a proper thank-you so watch this space for further details shortly. In the meantime we’d be very grateful if exhibitors and volunteers could provide us with some feedback by completing our online survey
For exhibitors: http://www.survey.bris.ac.uk/cpe/discover2012res
For volunteers: http://www.survey.bris.ac.uk/cpe/discover2012vol

We have waved goodbye to Dane Comerford who has moved to take up a new role at the University of Cambridge. Replacing Dane for six months is Becky Jones from the School of Biochemistry. She can be contacted on email: rebecca.jones@bristol.ac.uk tel: 0117 33 18315.

3. Festival of Nature – call for stand ideas
The annual Bristol Festival of Nature is being held 15-17 June this year. We are looking for any new stand ideas from across all departments to go in the University of Bristol tent at the Festival. The stand can be linked to ‘nature’ through any avenue, from atoms and cells, ecology and environment, sustainable engineering, even landscape painting. We want to showcase as much of the University’s research and teaching as possible. In addition, if anyone has previously been involved with the Festival or Discover, and wants to adapt or expand an existing stand then please let us know. If you have any ideas or want to know more, get in touch with Becky Jones by email: rebecca.jones@bristol.ac.uk tel: 0117 33 18315.

Funding

1. The Science in Society Programme Small Awards Scheme: deadline 12 April 2012
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) has announced that its Science in Society Programme Small Awards Scheme is now open for applications. The scheme provides grants for small, local or 'pilot' projects promoting STFC science and technology. Anyone can apply, including grant-funded research groups, STFC research facility users, schools, museums, etc. Awards range from £500 to £10,000 and the expenditure can go towards materials, salaries and travel & subsistence.
http://www.stfc.ac.uk/Public+and+Schools/1396.aspx

2. Applications for ESRC Festival of Social Science: 4 May 2012
The call for applications to run events for the tenth annual Economic and Social Research Council's Festival of Social Science is now open. This year the festival will run from 3-10 November. There are two types of application:
  • for £2,000 support from the ESRC to run an event - closing date 4 May 2012.
  • for an event to be included in the Festival programme but without ESRC funding - closing date 11 May 2012.
http://www.esrc.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/festival/

If you are from the University of Bristol and considering making an application please could you contact Kate Miller at the Centre for Public Engagement on email: kate.miller@bristol.ac.uk tel: 0117 33 18321

Events

1. Science Cafe: How inflammation polices heart disease – 8pm 30 April 2012
With speaker Dr Jason Johnson of the Bristol Heart Institute
Venue: Tobacco Factory See web: http://bscia-bsba.org.uk/science-cafe/

2. A road map to involving patients in your research – 25 May 2012
This event will provide researchers with an opportunity to gain insight into the importance and benefits of patient and public involvement (PPI) as well as practical information to help you facilitate PPI within your own research. Our patient panel members will also be attending and can help advise. A free event, 9am - 2pm, Bath Hilton Hotel To book contact Sarah Roberts email: s.e.roberts@bath.ac.uk
http://www.bath.ac.uk/health/news/news_0049.html

3. New dates for Bright Club
Bristol Bright Club is the thinking person's variety night - the show that takes folks from the region's top academic institutions and turns them into stand-up comedians for one night only. Organisers of Bright Club are looking for researchers from local universities to perform alongside professional comedians and musicians for three new shows with themes below (although un-themed contributions are also welcome):
  • 31 May ‘The Nature of Things’ (training 11 May, 3-5 pm) - biology, zoology, botany, environment (although ‘things’ leaves it open to pretty much whatever you like)
  • 23 August ‘Super’ (training date TBC) – anything tenuously involving 'super' as a prefix (supercooling, supernovas, superheroes, supermassive, superpositions...); astronomy, literature or media research involving science fiction or similar
  • 6 December ‘Vintage’ (training date TBC) - archaeology, conservation (of textiles, buildings etc), history, food & drink related research, fashion, research involving older people, dinosaurs. Further information from web: http://brightclubbristol.wordpress.com email: Hayley at hayley@soundsofscience.co.uk

Other news

1. Volunteers needed for The Times Cheltenham Science Festival: deadline 4 April 2012
The Festival is taking place from 12-17 June and will need volunteers throughout and for set-up and break-down. This is a great opportunity for students if they would like to meet some of the world's leading scientists, get involved with one of the best public science festivals and gain experience of running events. On offer to volunteers is: accommodation and food; travel expenses; free entry into events. Applications forms are available at web: http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jobs with a deadline of 4th April. If you have any questions please contact email: volunteers@cheltenhamfestivals.com or call tel: 01242 775206.

The Times Cheltenham Science Festival is a six-day extravaganza of science, engineering, technology and arts, with events for adults, schools and for the whole family. Aimed purely at the general public, the festival covers a range of topics from regenerative medicine and superconductivity to the science of honey and the power of sleep.

2. People and Research South West - looking for examples of public involvement in research: deadline 16 April 2012
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. They are currently collating local examples of public involvement in research, top tips for involvement, contact details and links. Do you have an example of public involvement in research you would like to include? The submission form is available at:
http://www.crncc.nihr.ac.uk/about_us/ccrn/western/ppi/prsw/case_studies.htm
Further information from Catrin Richards email: catrin.richards@uwe.ac.uk tel: (0117) 3288809

3. Communicate 2011 - Nature, People, Economics: conference summary available online
This conference summary brings together videos, presentations, and written contributions from an inspirational line up of environmental thinkers and communicators. Visit web: http://communicate2011.bnhc.org.uk/

Wednesday, 7 March 2012

Engagers' Digest 7/3/12

In this edition:

University of Bristol engagement
  1. Discover: 8 – 10 March 2012
  2. ‘Multi-Story Water’: student volunteers sought
Funding
  1. British Science Association Media Fellowship scheme: deadline 11 March 2012
  2. AHRC Connected Communities Leadership Fellows: deadline 23 March 2012
  3. Wellcome Trust Engagement Fellowships: deadline 30 March 2012
  4. The Naked Scientists MRC Prize Internship: deadline 30 March 2012
  5. Research in the Wild 2012: deadline 18 April 2012
  6. Society for Applied Microbiology Communications Award: deadline 20 April 2012
  7. Institute of Physics Public Engagement Grants: deadline 30 April 2012
  8. Heritage Lottery Fund Heritage Grants: various dates
Events
  1. INVOLVE 2012 conference: call for presentations: deadline 26 March 2012
  2. Working together - how higher education and charities can deliver social impact: 27 March 2012, London
  3. People Power: Engaging Audiences: 2 April 2012
  4. ‘Going beyond the usual publics: evaluating how to reach new audiences and non-visitors’ event: 27 April 2012
  5. Bursaries to attend the 2012 Science Communication Conference: 14 & 15 May 2012

Other news
  1. Update on the REF
  2. Prove it! Online video competition: deadline 19 March 2012
  3. UWE Science Communication Unit courses

Tuesday, 14 February 2012

Engagers' Digest 14/2/12

In this edition:

University of Bristol engagement
  1. Volunteering at Discover: 8-10 March
  2. Understanding animal research workshop: 21 February
  3. Careers talk at City Academy
  4. Your Green Future: 13-14 March  
  5. Talk at Broadlands School: 6 July
 Funding
  1. Community Challenge Fund: deadline 9 March
  2. Wellcome Trust Engagement Fellowships: deadline 30 March
  3. Wellcome Trust Peoples Awards: deadline 27 April
  4. Institute of Physics' Public Engagement Grant Scheme: deadline 30 April
Events
  1. Introduction to the News Media: 22 March
  2. Getting started: a beginner’s guide to evaluation
  3. People Power... the Science of Engaging Audiences: 2 April
  4. Evaluation masterclass – making a case
  5. Workshop in Animatronics: 5-7 May

Wednesday, 1 February 2012

Engagers' Digest 1/2/12

In this edition:

University of Bristol engagement
  1. Volunteering opportunity for Discover 2012: 8-10 March
  2. Brain Awareness Week at At-Bristol: 12-18 March 2012
  3. Grant success: AHRC’s Connected Communities
  4. University of Bristol Engagement Awards: application deadline 13 March 2012

Funding
  1. ESRC knowledge exchange funding: deadline 7 February 2012
  2. Heritage Lottery Fund Heritage Grants: deadline 15 February 2012
  3. The Royal Society Partnership Grants - Funding for School's Science Projects: deadline 24 February 2012
  4. Wellcome Trust Society Awards: deadline 2 April 2012

Events
  1. British Science Association Science Cafés in Bristol: next one 27 February 2012

Other news
  1. Royal Academy of Engineering: nominations for award
  2. I’m a Scientist, Get me out of Here! Looking for scientists and engineers
  3. British Science Association Media Fellowship: applications deadline 11 March 2012


University of Bristol engagement

1. Volunteering opportunity for Discover 2012: 8 – 10 March
We are looking for staff and students to help out at Discover 2012, the University's free exhibition in The Galleries shopping centre in Broadmead.
Thousands of school children and members of the public will be coming to try out hands-on exhibits covering research from all faculties. Volunteers can take school groups around the exhibition or help out on stalls, and are welcome to come for anything from a two hour slot to a full day (or more). Training will be provided.

Staff wishing to help out need to agree any absence during normal working hours with their line manager. For further information please contact Dane Comerford or Ben Earley on
email: cpe-info@bristol.ac.uk or tel: 0117 3318313
http://www.bris.ac.uk/pwe/volunteering.html
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/public-engagement/events/discover-2012/

2. Brain Awareness Week at At-Bristol: 12-18 March 2012
Having involved Bristol researchers in Brain Awareness Week for a number of years, At-Bristol is looking for new volunteers to deliver a variety of successful activities. Brain Awareness Week forms part of At-Bristol's Meet the Expert programme of face-to-face engagement between scientists and the public. During Brain Awareness Week, At-Bristol gives over part of their exhibition space to hands-on table-top activities, facilitated by researchers, At-Bristol staff and volunteers. Before the week At-Bristol can deliver a training session so you feel prepared to engage visitors and they are also on hand throughout the week to provide support. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact John Polatch on email: john.polatch@at-bristol.org.uk

3. Grant success: AHRC’s Connected Communities
Congratulations to Professor Robert Bickers and his team on being awarded a £25k grant under the Connected Communities call. The grant is a collaboration between researchers in History, Drama, Computer Science and the Centre for Public Engagement. It aims to develop sustainable links between arts and humanities expertise in the area of community histories and heritage with relevant community groups, local heritage organisations and neighbourhood projects in Bristol. Six roadshows will be held throughout Bristol in May and June which will focus on different communities or localities. This will hopefully lead to the further development of innovative collaborative or co-produced community heritage research projects led by community groups, and involving university researchers.

4. University of Bristol Engagement Awards: application deadline 13 March 2012
A reminder that applications are open for the University's Engagement awards for 2011/12. Two awards will be made this year, one to an individual and one to a group showing outstanding achievement in public engagement. Further information is available from Kate Miller in the Centre for Public Engagement email: kate.miller@bristol.ac.uk tel: (0117) 3318321 or from web: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/public-engagement/staff/engagement-awards


Funding

1. ESRC knowledge exchange funding: deadline 7 February 2012
See previous Digest posting:
http://centreforpublicengagement.blogspot.com/2012/01/royal-society-nominations-deadline-6.html

2. Heritage Lottery Fund Heritage Grants: deadline 15 February 2012
Under the Heritage Grants scheme funding is available for projects that relate to the national, regional or local heritage of the UK.
HLF welcome applications from single organisations and partnerships. The HLF also makes grants of £50,001 - £1 million; and Grants in excess of £5 million. These are subject to different application deadlines information on which can be access through the link below. The next closing date for applications is the 15th February 2012.
http://www.hlf.org.uk/howtoapply/programmes/pages/heritagegrants.aspx

3. The Royal Society Partnership Grants - Funding for School's Science Projects: deadline 24 February 2012
The next round of Partnership Grants is open for applications. Through the scheme, grants of between £250 and £3,000 will be available to support teachers, scientists and engineers help develop science projects. Any UK primary or secondary school teacher or practising scientist/engineer can apply as long as the students involved in the project are between 5 and 18. Applications must be made together with the partner, and need to be signed by the teacher, partner and schools' headteacher.
Further information from web:
http://royalsociety.org/education/partnership/

4. Wellcome Trust Society Awards: deadline 2 April 2012
The Wellcome Trust has announced that its Society Awards are now open for applications. Society Awards provide grants of over £30,000 for ambitious and creative projects that engage people of all ages and walks of life with developments in biomedical science on a regional or national scale. The scheme is open to anyone with a good idea for engaging people with developments in biomedical science.
http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Public-engagement/Grants/Society-Awards/index.htm

Events

1. British Science Association Science Cafés in Bristol
These Science Cafés run on the last Monday of the month, every month (except December) and explore the latest ideas in science and technology in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. The title of February’s café hosted by Professor Paul Martin, of the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, is ‘The Battle for your Body: does inflammation help or hinder wound healing and cancer’
8 – 10 pm 27 February 2012
venue: The Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Rd, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 1TF
further information: http://bscia-bsba.org.uk/science-cafe/

Other news

1. Royal Academy of Engineering: nominations for award
If you would like to nominate someone for the Rooke medal for the public promotion of engineering please email awards@raeng.org.uk by 27 February 2012.
http://www.raeng.org.uk/prizes/public

2. I’m a Scientist, Get me out of Here! Looking for scientists and engineers
This is an online event where students get to meet and interact with real scientists. It’s an X Factor-style competition between the scientists, where the students are the judges. Students submit questions which the scientists will try to answer by the next day. Students then have live online MSN-style chats with the scientists, where they ask questions, learn more about the scientists, and let scientists know their opinions. It will take place online 12–23 March 2012. They are looking for scientists and engineers to take part. For eligibility and further information see web:
http://imascientist.org.uk/scientist-registration
http://imanengineer.org.uk/

3. British Science Association Media Fellowship: applications deadline 11 March 2012
Open to researchers from PhD level upwards; scientists, social scientists, engineers and clinicians can experience life in the heart of the newsroom by applying for a British Science Association 2012 Media Fellowship. Spend 3-8 weeks this summer working with hosts including the BBC, Guardian and Nature to produce accurate, well-informed news about developments in science, and work alongside the UK’s top science editors in the British Science Festival Press Centre. For eligibility criteria and the application form go to web:
http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/scienceinsociety/MediaFellowships/

Monday, 19 September 2011

Engagers’ Digest – 19/9/11

Here is the September edition of Engagers’ Digest. Please cascade this bulletin onwards to interested colleagues.

In this edition of the Digest:

University of Bristol engagement
  1. Centre for Public Engagement – Engage 2011 and Discover 2012 [all fields; all levels]
  2. Talk – ‘Will the real science please stand up?’ - 7 October 2011 3 pm [STEM; all levels]
  3. InsideArts – The University of Bristol Festival of the Arts and Humanities 18-20 October 2011 [all fields; all levels]
  4. Poetry Translation Competition for students: submission deadline 30 September 2011 [all fields; students]
  5. Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2012: proposals deadline 24 October 2011 [STEM; all levels]
  6. Volunteers to talk to Bristol's older people [all fields; all levels]
  7. Volunteers for Black History Day on 1 November 2011 [Arts & Humanities and Education; all levels]

Funding
  1. RCUK – update on Catalysts public engagement funding [all fields; all levels]
  2. Association of Art Historians - Museum bursary: deadline 19 November 2011 [AAH members; all levels]
  3. Institute of Physics Public Engagement Grant Scheme 2012 – deadline 7 November 2011 [physics; all levels]

Events & courses
  1. Ri training ‘How to engage with 7 to 11 year olds’: 24 September 2011 [STEM; all levels]
  2. Public Engagement Workshops for EPSRC-funded researchers: 30 September 2011 [EPSRC-funded researchers]
  3. National Science & Engineering Week Info Sessions – 5 October 2011 [STEM; all levels]
  4. Communicate 2011 ‘Nature, People, Economics’: 2-3 November 2011 [all fields; all levels]
  5. FameLab science communication competition: 12 November 2011 [STEM; all levels]
  6. NCCPE Engage 2011 29-30 November 2011 – registration now open [all fields; all levels]
  7. Community of Practice for STEM Outreach and WP Practitioners - Shadowing Scheme [STEM; all levels]
  8. Bright Club Bristol: volunteers needed [all fields; all levels]
Internships & placements
  1. ESRC Cabinet Office internship: closing date 30 September 2011 [social sciences; ESRC PhD award holders]
  2. ESRC Home Office (UK Border Agency) internship: closing date 30 September 2011 [social sciences; ESRC PhD award holders]
  3. STFC/POST postgraduate placement scheme: closing date 10 October 2011 [STEM; STFC PhD students]
  4. 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