Engagers' Digest - 6/10/10

Dear all,

This is the first Digest since the Engage conference - so welcome to all newcomers to the list. The conference, on 23 September, was a really interesting, varied day, with people commenting, questioning and participating as well as making lots of useful new connections. There's still time to fill out your feedback form as a PDF, or please leave comments on this blog post.

You can access podcasts from all of the plenary sessions, with their accompanying presentations from this blogpage - centreforpublicengagement.blogspot.com/2010/09/engage-2010-plenary-sessions-audio-and.html . Delegate pack materials and resources from the workshop are on this blogpage - centreforpublicengagement.blogspot.com/2010/09/engage-2010-research-inspired-fiction.html. Please feel free to use and circulate to interested colleagues.

In the Digest this time:

1. Higher Education STEM project - EOI deadline 13 October [grant]
   
2. Funding to Improve the Teaching of STEM – deadline 22 October 2010 [grant]
3. European Commission digital interactive content – deadlines 29 November 2010 and 11 April 2011 [grant]
4. NCCPE conference - 7 & 8 December 2010 [conference]
5. JISC digital communities - deadline 10 December 2010 [grant]
6. Lottery Fund International Programme – open deadline until March 2014 [grant]
7. Reaching Communities Programme – open deadline [grant]

1. Higher Education STEM project - EOI deadline 13 October
The Southwest Spoke of the HE STEM Project has grants of up to £10,000 to enhance STEM curriculum development, outreach and widening participation - http://www.bath.ac.uk/he-stem/news/news0004.html. Expressions of interest are due by 13 October, and full applications by the 30 November.

2. Funding to Improve the Teaching of STEM – deadline 22 October 2010
The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) invites applications from learning and skills provider organisations delivering Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, to support projects to overcome barriers and provide additional opportunities for Continuing Personal or Professional Development (CPD). LSIS is inviting bids of up to £1,000 per subject area and the closing date for applications is 12 pm on the 22nd October 2010. http://www.lsis.org.uk/WorkingWithLSIS/Opportunities/funding-Opportunities/Pages/default.aspx

3. European Commission digital interactive content – deadlines 29 November 2010 and 11 April 2011
Support for European Independent production companies, for the concept development (up to a first playable application) of digital interactive content complementing an audiovisual project (drama, creative documentary or animation) specifically developed for at least one of the following platforms; Internet; PC; console; handheld device; and interactive television. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2010:262:0019:0021:EN:PDF

4. NCCPE conference - 7 & 8 December 2010
The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement, which is jointly hosted by UoB and UWE, are holding their first national conference in December 2010. The conference will focus on the broad theme of why and how universities should engage the public, and will include work from their vinspired students project. More information and a registration form is available on the NCCPE site.

5. JISC digital communities - deadline 10 December 2010
JISC provides national infrastructure services to address the needs of all users in HE and FE. A couple of current calls for developing digital content, worth up to £100k, are relevant to public engagement: Enriching via collaboration and developing community content

6. Lottery Fund International Programme – open deadline until March 2014
The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) International Communities programme aims to help disadvantaged communities overseas by supporting work that tackles the causes of poverty and deprivation and brings about long-term differences to the lives of some of the most disadvantaged people in the world. The International Communities programme is open to UK based non-governmental organisations working with overseas partners. http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/index/funding-uk/new_programmes.htm#newproguk

7. Reaching Communities Programme – open deadline The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) is accepting applications to their Reaching Communities Programme, which provides grants of 10,000 - £500,000 for projects that help people and communities who are most in need, and can really make a difference. http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_reaching_communities?tab=1&

Also:

Research into public engagement through festivals - can you contribute your experiences via this survey?

Don't forget the Institute of Physics £1000 grant scheme - closes 8 November.

Best wishes,

Philippa

Engage 2010 - workshop resources

Here are all the materials from the Engage 2010 delegate pack:

Final programme
Delegate list
Feedback form (if you haven't filled it out already!)
Who's your Engager?

The resources from the workshop sessions at Engage 2010 are also available for you to use and share:

Research-inspired fiction
Tania Hershman's workshop on research-inspired fiction, drawing on examples from science-inspired flash and longer fiction:
www.taniahershman.com/taniaengageworkshop2.pdf (PDF,15 Mb!)

Outcomes-based evaluation
A series of resources from Suzanne Spicer's workshop on Generic Social Outcomes and Generic Learning Outcomes:

Evaluation methods
Generic Learning Outcomes
Generic Social Outcomes
Evaluation workshop further reading

Suzanne's presentation:

Ss evaluation workshop presentation

View more presentations from University of Bristol Centre for Public Engagement.

Working with the media
Handout about interview skills from Kate Butler's practical workshop on working with the media

Developing new partnerships
Thoughts on partnership working from the workshop with Tom Sperlinger, Tove Samzelius and Sophie Duncan

Finding Funding
The finding funding workshop handout

Philippa Bayley's slides:

Finding funding pb

Andrew Wray's slides:

Engage 2010 wray

Ben Griffiths' slides:

Griffiths funding

Volunteering workshop
Volunteering handout from the workshop with Rachel Miller, David Owen and Dane Comerford

The web for engagement workshop
Sorry - no resources are available from this workshop at the moment

Public Perceptions of the University
Sorry - no resources are available from this workshop at the moment

Engage 2010 plenary sessions - audio and slides

Thanks to the extremely efficient people at Backdoor Broadcasting, the audio from all of the plenary sessions at Engage 2010, and the accompanying slides, are all available at this site: http://backdoorbroadcasting.net/2010/09/engage-2010/

They will be archived there permanently, so feel free to link to your own sites and to share the material widely.

Workshop resources will be posted here later this week.

Thanks to those who came to Engage 2010 - a really interesting and stimulating day. If you didn't return your feedback form at the end of the day please complete it and send it to Philippa at the CPE.

Thanks!

Engage 2010 - happening tomorrow

Engage 2010 - one-day public engagement conference at the University.

Taking place at Bristol University's Victoria Rooms, this one day conference covers the latest public engagement issues and themes with morning plenaries, a chance to find out what's going on at the University with a lunchtime share-fair/market place, then training sessions in the afternoon. The day will finish with drinks and a film screening - Mathematical Ethnographies - up at Royal Fort House.

We're going to be recording the whole thing on this blog and will make all materials (PDFs, presentations and podcasts)available through our website shortly after the event.

If you can't make it, keep an eye on this blog to see how things are going - if you can make it...hopefully it will be a useful record for you after the event. Comments very welcome! If you want to tweet, use #engage2010 - see twitter/cpe_bristol.

It should be a fascinating day! Back in touch tomorrow

Engagers' Digest - 8/9/2010

Dear all,

I hope you're enjoying the last few weeks of (relative) quiet before term starts again.

Check out the new Public Engagement Stories - bristol.ac.uk/publicengagementstories and don't hesitate to come to us with ideas for other stories about all aspects of public engagement.

Registration for Engage 2010, on 23 September, is still open but very few places remain so please complete your registration form - bristol.ac.uk/public-engagement/staff/training/engage2010.html - and send it in as soon as possible. If you have already registered for the conference we are also registering your afternoon workshop and training session choices via an online form - bristol.ac.uk/public-engagement/staff/training/engage2010-workshops.html. We will have a broad representation from across the University and from external organisations at the event, and look forward to a stimulating day on the 23rd September.

In the Digest this time:

1. The Big Bang Fair (March 2011) - submit an activity [10 September 2010]
2. Idlewild Trust for the performing arts - deadline [24 September 2010]
   
3. Institute of Physics Public Engagement Grants - deadline [8 November 2010]
   
4. National Science and Engineering Week - Information session [8 November 2010]
5. UUK Conference: Making the case for higher education in the creative economy [7 December 2010]
6. National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) National Conference [7&8 December 2010]
7. Volant Charitable Trust - deadline [28 January 2011]
   

1. The Big Bang Fair (March 2011) - submit an activity by 10 September 2010
The UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair will run from 10-12 March 2011 at London's ExCel Centre. Contributions are invited including interactive stands, busking activities, hands-on workshops and theatrical shows; volunteering opportunities are also on offer. See www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/activities for more information, or email your activity to Georgina Goodman by lunchtime on 10 September.

2. Idlewild Trust - deadline 28 September
The Idlewild Trust supports registered charities concerned with the encouragement of excellence in the performing and fine arts and the preservation, for public benefit, of buildings and items of historical interest or national importance. Occasionally it also supports projects that conserve the natural environment. Grants of up to £5000 are available. Further information at www.idlewildtrust.org.uk

3. Institute of Physics Public Engagement Grants - deadline 8 November
Up to £1000 is available to support individuals and organisations running physics-based events and activities in the UK and Ireland. More information is available from www.iop.org/about/grants/outreach/page_38843.html

4. National Science and Engineering Week 2011 - Information session 8 November
NSEW, organised by the British Science Association, will run from 11-20 March 2011, with events across the country. Informal information sessions to help you plan events are being run in various venues; the closest to Bristol will be at Techniquest in Cardiff on Monday 8 November - Click to reserve your place. They have produced a Guide to Funding which outlines some of the potential sources of support for activities, but please note that the £2k RCUK NSEW awards will not be available for 2011.

5. Universities UK conference - Making the case for higher education in the creative economy - 7 December 2010
In light of the comprehensive spending review , and following the changes to the regional development funding structures, this UUK conference will assess what these changes mean for collaboration between higher education and the creative industries. Delegates will include Vice-chancellors, Pro vice-chancellors, Deans, Curriculum managers, as well as businesses from the creative industries. More information on the conference is available from the UUK site.

6. NCCPE conference - 7 & 8 December 2010
The NCCPE are hosting their first national conference in December 2010. The conference will focus on the broad theme of why and how universities should engage the public. Day one will focus on HEI public engagement. Day two will feature student volunteering, informed by their vinspired students project. More information and a registration form is available on the NCCPE site.

7. Volant Charitable trust
Registered charities whose purpose is to alleviate poverty and social deprivation with particular emphasis on children and women’s issues can apply for funding from the Volant Charitable Trust - http://www.volanttrust.com/index.html

And in other news: The Penguin Archive Project, a four-year University of Bristol project begun in May 2008 with a grant from the AHRC, is featured in a Radio 4 documentary on the history of Penguin Books presented by children's author Michael Morpurgo.

Kind regards,

Philippa

Engagers' Digest - 18/8/10

Dear all,

Lots of interesting opportunities in the sciences and arts in this Digest, as well as the disappointing news that EPSRC are closing their major public engagement funding scheme - the Partnerships for Public Engagement. We'll be discussing 'public engagement in difficult times' at Engage 2010 on 23 September, and will also have contributions from RCUK. Places are running out, so register now at www.bristol.ac.uk/engage2010

1. EPSRC Partnerships for Public Engagement - no further calls
EPSRC recently announced that they will no longer be funding public engagement activities via the Partnerships for Public Engagement (PPE) scheme. As a consequence, the PPE call planned for this autumn will not go ahead. While this is very disappointing news, EPSRC and the other research councils remain committed to funding public engagement as part of research grants, as well as through the remaining schemes. For more information, please see the EPSRC press release:
http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/newsevents/news/2010/Pages/publicengagementagenda.aspx

2. Grant opportunity: SportForce - deadline 3 September
Applications are invited from HEIs involved in teaching and/or research in science, education and medicine in sport to develop and co-brand a public event aimed at the communication of science and medicine in sport linked to the 2012 Games. This forms part of SportForce, the Public Engagement programme for the International Convention on Science, Education and Medicine (ICSEMIS) in Sport 2012 and is supported by Research Councils UK and Podium. Selected institutions will be allocated £1,000 to contribute to the delivery of an event between October 2010 and January 2011. Applications close on the 3 September. Please go to http://www.podium.ac.uk/opportunities for more information.


3. The Colwinston Charitable Trust - deadline 30 September
The Colwinston Charitable Trust distributes grants to UK registered charitable organisations working predominantly in the areas of Opera, Classical Music and the Visual Arts. They offer grants of between £5,000 and £25,000 to enable organisations achieve higher standards of performance and/or presentation. The trust will give priority to high quality projects, and projects that help people to better appreciate the possibilities the arts can offer, especially in Wales. There next application deadline is 5 pm on the 30th September 2010.
http://www.colwinston.org.uk/index.htm

4. Calouste Gulbenkian/UnLtd Engage Awards - deadline 30 September
In response to the increasing ageing of the population and the challenges this will bring, UnLtd and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation have teamed to offer 30 Start-Up Awards of £2,500, and 3 awards of £15,000 to individuals and informal groups to improve the social issues faced by older people in their community. For more information: http://www.unltd.org.uk/template.php?ID=202&PageName=caloustegulbenkianfoundation

5. Royal Society Partnership Grants - deadline 5 November 2010
Grants of up to £3000 are available to support teachers, scientists and engineers to develop science projects. More here

6. Engagement Opportunity: BBC1 Bang Goes The Theory
BBC1's primetime family science entertainment show is back, and along with it the ever popular Beacons Q&A – where academics from the beacons and Open University work together with the BBC to answer questions from the viewers - www.bbc.co.uk/bang/ask_yan/ If you've been involved before you'd be very welcome to return; if you've not, and you fancy trying your hand at drafting pithy and memorable answers to the amusing, oblique, frequent, or plain funny questions viewers send in - please do join us. The best place to start is: http://beaconsqanda.com/start Here, you'll find some more detailed introductory notes and links to the registration page.

7. Staff development course - Science writing for popular publication
Staff Development is offering a half day science writing for popular publication course on 24 November (SD1WPP) - sign up here

Finally, take a look at the new lifelong learning events and courses on offer in English, and the accompanying booklet with a range of inspiring stories - http://www.bristol.ac.uk/english/lifelong/shorts.html

Best wishes,

Philippa

Engagers' Digest - 4/8/2010

Dear all,



A happily busy Digest for August - please forward any items of interest to your colleagues.

1. Engage 2010 - 23 September 2010, Victoria Rooms, Bristol
Your chance to share your public engagement experiences and resources with University colleagues and external partners. We have great speakers lined up, including city leaders Tom Trevor (Arnolfini), Annie Hudson (Children and Young People's Services, BCC) and Edel Fletcher (At-Bristol); Research Council representatives, networking opportunities and a variety of interesting workshop sessions including 'research-inspired fiction'. Register soon (as places are limited) - bristol.ac.uk/engage2010

2. STEM Communicator training - September 7 2010 - Thinktank, Birmingham
The British Interactive Group's Little Event returns to Thinktank on Tuesday 7th September from 10am – 5pm, with 15 bursaries available to cover your costs. The Little Event is for people who are relatively new to STEM communication, whether you work in a science centre or museum, volunteer for a festival, are involved in university outreach, or do anything else to engage people with sciences.
To book, and for more information, please click on www.big.uk.com/events/little-event/

3. UWE Science Communication Masterclass - 11-14 October 2010
The Masterclass is an intensive course created to provide professional development in science communication. The Masterclass draws on the existing expertise of the team that delivers UWE's popular and practical MSc in Science Communication. This Autumn’s Masterclass will be held in Bristol during 11-14 October 2010 and will cost £650 per delegate (£500 concessionary rate for students, unemployed and low earners).
For further information please visit http://www.scu.uwe.ac.uk/index.php?q=node/199 and complete the online registration form if you would like a place.

4. Wellcome Trust Society Awards - deadline 12 October 2010
The theme for this year's Wellcome Trust Society Awards is GREY MATTERS: Brain, Mind & Culture. Understanding the brain and mind remains one of sciences great challenges despite centuries of research. The Wellcome Trust are looking for exciting and innovative approaches that will explore any aspect of biomedical research into the brain and mind. You may wish to approach the theme from a medical, physiological, psychological, nutritional, genetic, evolutionary, cultural, sociological, economic, historical, ethical or public health point of view.
http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Public-engagement/Grants/Society-Awards/index.htm

5. RAEng Ingenious awards - deadline 29 October 2010
Ingenious is a grant scheme for creative public engagement with engineering projects, which help engineers to communicate their expertise and passion for engineering to a wider audience. The Royal Academy of Engineering is also keen to receive project proposals that aim to encourage deeper discussions between engineers and the wider public about the implications of engineering for society (for example, cultural and ethical impacts).
Funding from £3,000 to £30,000 is available for projects that meet the criteria of the two funding streams.
Find out more by reading about previous projects in the case studies and hear what grant holders and engineers have to say about their Ingenious experience in four mini-films.
More information about the scheme here: www.raeng.org.uk/ingenious

6. Communicate Conference - November 3-4, 2010 – Bristol
Communicate 2010 is the annual conference for environmental communicators. The theme for 2010 is “Connecting with Nature”. Speakers include David Attenborough and Richard Benyon, MP. This year’s themes include: Biodiversity and Cities; Aspiration; Language - Beyond Words; Biodiversity and Social Health. For more information and to register: http://www.bnhc.org.uk/home/communicate/delegates/registration.html

7. Learning in Communities Award - deadline December 3 2010
UnLtd have teamed up with the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE ) to offer one individual the chance to receive a Learning In Communities Award of up to £5,000 to establish a project to engage adults in learning. The award opens for applications on the 1st September 2010 and closes on the 3rd December 2010. http://www.unltd.org.uk/template.php?ID=201&PageName=learningincommunitiesaward

An interesting short think-piece on the Vitae website about the realities of public engagement for researchers in the UK:
http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/260911-272401/Public-engagement-by-researchers.html

Finally - two UoB events of interest: Flower Power for the 21st Century - a free event on Thursday 5 August, 5:30pm about the science behind flowers, plants and seeds -http://www.bris.ac.uk/news/2010/7162.html. And the Policy and Politics Conference on 10 September - Politics of austerity or the austerity of politics? New social, economic and ecological challenges for the public sector - http://www.bris.ac.uk/sps/policyandpolitics/

Best wishes,

Philippa

Engagers' Digest - 14/07/10

Dear Colleagues

Remember to sign up to Engage 2010, the one-day conference on public engagement taking place on 23 September. To register, download the registration form or contact Diane Thorne; tel: 0117 331 8318, email: diane.thorne@bristol.ac.uk to request a copy.

In this issue...

1. Researchers in Residence scheme
   [opportunity]


2. Joshua Phillips Award for Innovation in Science Engagement
   [deadline: 10 September 2010]


3. The Engaging Researcher:Inspiring people to engage with your research
   [booklet]


4. Online discussion space on public engagement, Vitae
   [forum]


5. Dissemination workshop: Students, volunteering and the community
   [8 September 2010]


6. NEW! Centre for Public Engagement website
   [resource]

1. Researchers in Residence scheme [opportunity]

As a PhD student or post doc funded by one of the Research Councils or the Wellcome Trust, you can take part in the Researchers in Residence scheme. This fully funded scheme pairs you with a secondary school, giving you the experience of working with teachers and pupils, while sharing your skills with the school. Taking part in the scheme means spending time in the school, so you can see what it is like to teach, as well as building your confidence and enhancing your CV.

There are schools in and around Bristol that are looking for researchers in fine arts, psychology, biology, chemistry, general science and physics. For further information, visit the Researchers in Residence website, or contact Maggie Leggett at the Centre for Public Engagement; tel: (0117) 3318325, internal 18325, email: maggie.leggett@bristol.ac.uk

Back to contents


2. Joshua Phillips Award for Innovation in Science Engagement [deadline: 10 September 2010]
Nominations for the 2010 Joshua Phillips Award for Innovation in Science Engagement are now open. The Josh Award is an annual award that recognises excellence, innovation and new talent in science engagement. The winner will be announced and presented with the award at the 2010 Manchester Science Festival this October, where they will be appointed the Festival's Communicator in Residence.

For further information and to download the nomination form , see the Manchester Science Festival website

Back to contents

3.The Engaging Researcher: Inspiring people to engage with your research [booklet]
Aimed at early career researchers, this booklet provides practical tips on how public engagement can benefit you, your research and the public with whom you engage. Drawing on real life examples, it is full of ideas about how to engage different audiences in a variety of ways including workshops, festivals and working in schools, among others.

Download the booklet (PDF, 1.7 MB).

Back to contents

4. Online discussion space on public engagement, Vitae [Forum]
This online discussion forum offers a space to discuss the impact of public engagement on you, your work and the members of the public you engage with. To stimulate conversations, Vitae has commissioned a number of articles specifically for this space, drawing from a range of perspectives. All are welcome to engage in the discussion and new articles will be posted on July 14, 16 and 19.

Visit the forum. Further information is available from Rebecca Owens.

Back to contents

5. Dissemination workshop: Students, volunteering and the community [8 September]
The NCCPE is holding a workshop to present the findings of this vinspired project which has explored all aspects of volunteering among students. There will be a chance to provide feedback on the final project report and research bulletins, as well as a discussion about how best to share future project outcomes.

The workshop will take place in Room 1, NCVO Building, Regent's Wharf, Kings Cross, London. To attend this event, please contact Jennifer Russell at the Institute for Volunteering Research by Friday 30 July. Further information is available on the NCCPE website.

Back to contents

6. NEW! Centre for Public Engagement website [resource]
The Centre for Public Engagement finally has its new website! Visit bristol.ac.uk/public-engagement to find out about public engagement at the University of Bristol, forthcoming opportunities, latest events and also a space to feedback and tell us what you think...and please do. There's also further information about Engage 2010. Happy surfing!

Back to contents

That's all for this issue of the Digest. Don't forget to send in your registration forms for Engage 2010. We look forward to seeing you there and hope that you're enjoying the summer.

Best wishes
Laura

• Visit bristol.ac.uk/public-engagement


• Read the latest public engagement stories at bristol.ac.uk/publicengagementstories


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Engagers' Digest - 23/6/10

Dear colleagues,



Engage 2010 - Registration is open!


Engage 2010, on 23 September in the Victoria Rooms, is the annual conference for the University's public engagement community. This year, hear city leaders’ visions of an engaged university, meet and exchange ideas with colleagues and potential partners, and take part in innovative and interesting training and workshop sessions. Finish the day with a drinks reception and screening of the ‘Mathematical Ethnographies’ films in Royal Fort House, from 5pm.

The registration form will be available on from www.bristol.ac.uk/engage2010 within the next week. For any enquiries please contact my colleague Diane Thorne by email (diane.thorne@bristol.ac.uk) or on 0117 331 8318.

Upcoming events/deadlines:

1. Let's Get Liminal! Artistic Science and Scientific Art - 30 June 2-6pm

What happens in that space where science meets art and art meets science? Come to this half-day seminar in the Centre for Nanoscience and Quantum Information to have a look at what's going on and what will be happening, both at the University and outside. Including special guests Oron Catts, director of SymbioticA, Australia's artistic laboratory dedicated to the research, learning, critique and hands-on engagement with the life sciences, and UK-based artist Kira O'Reilly, a former SymbioticA artist-in-residence. More information: http://www.bris.ac.uk/science/blog

2. Conference - Exploring the What, Why and How of Public Engagement - 6 July

This conference, organised by the Beacon for Wales in collaboration with Vitae, is an introduction to public engagement with presentations from funders, academics and those involved in engagement projects. Come along and find out more about public engagement, what the benefits could be for you and your research and how you might get started.10.30 am – 4.15 pm, Tuesday 6 July, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. More information and registration here

3. AHRC Collaborative Research Training Scheme - Public Engagement training - deadline 9 July 2010

The AHRC has identified a gap in the AHRC’s training strategy for postgraduates in terms of encouraging them to share their research with non-academic audiences, and to engage with wider opportunities offered by public engagement. Awards are offered under two categories - Student Led Initiatives (£2000) and Specialist (£10,000). More information here

4. Wellcome Trust funding - deadline 30 July 2010

The Wellcome Engaging Science grants programme offers over £3 million per year to support projects that aim to inform and inspire the public about biomedical science and its social contexts. Society Awards are focusing on GREY MATTERS: Brain, Mind & Culture - deadline 12 October 2010. Other awards are also open for applications - more information here

5. The Woodward Charitable Trust - deadline 30 November

The fund offers grants of up to £5,000 through their small grants scheme and grants of over £5,000 through their large grants scheme, for projects in areas including arts outreach and environment. More information here

Other items:

For your interest, the English Subject Centre has launched its community engagement webpages, that capture some of the interesting ways English and Creative Writing can link to communities outside HEIs.

http://www.english.heacademy.ac.uk/explore/resources/community/index.php

Just to let you know, I'm going to be out of the office for the next few weeks, but my colleagues Laura Greenwood and Dane Comerford will be writing the Digest in my absence. I'll be back in the office on 20 July, and look forward to seeing all your registrations for the conference!



Best wishes,


Philippa

Engagers' Digest - 3/6/10

Dear colleagues,

Welcome to a sunny edition of the Digest:

Again, a reminder for your diaries - Thursday 23 September 2010, Victoria Rooms. The programme for our annual Engage conference is shaping up and registration will open before the end of June. Engage 2010 will be a one day conference to share experiences and learn about the range of public engagement activity at the University of Bristol. Hear city leaders’ visions of an engaged university, meet and exchange ideas with colleagues and potential partners, and take part in innovative and interesting training and workshop sessions. Finish the day with a drinks reception and screening of the 'Mathematical Ethnographies'.

1. Universities UK - Universities Week: What's the big idea? 14-20 June
UUK's inaugural campaign will highlight the essential role of the UK’s universities and their impact on the economy, culture, society, the environment and much more. Find out how to support and contribute here http://www.universitiesweek.org.uk/Home.aspx


2. Conference - Exploring the What, Why and How of Public Engagement - 6 July
This conference, organised by the Beacon for Wales in collaboration with Vitae, is an introduction to public engagement with presentations from funders, academics and those involved in engagement projects. Come along and find out more about public engagement, what the benefits could be for you and your research and how you might get started.
10.30 am – 4.15 pm, Tuesday 6 July, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
More information and registration here

3. Vitae - various opportunities for researchers
The researcher development organisation Vitae has a call for evidence of the impact of researcher development (deadline 18 June). They have also opened their Innovate call for innovative training programmes with a deadline of 30 June, and are holding a research staff conference on 4 November 2010.

4. HP Catalyst Initiative Funding
HP is creating a global network of education consortia that will explore new and more effective approaches for preparing students to use their technical, creative, and collaborative ingenuity to address significant social challenges in their community and around the world. Organisations can apply to become consortium members, and receive up to $30k over two years with a number of other benefits. More information here

5. Wellcome Trust funding - deadline 30 July 2010
The Wellcome Engaging Science grants programme offers over £3 million per year to support projects that aim to inform and inspire the public about biomedical science and its social contexts. Society Awards are focusing on GREY MATTERS: Brain, Mind & Culture - deadline 12 October 2010. Other awards are also open for applications - more information here

And don't forget - 12-13 June is the excellent Festival of Nature, where University of Bristol staff and students will be sharing their work under the themes of "Biodiversity is life" and "Technologies for the future". In the run up to the Festival, UoB academics will be speaking at four, free consecutive Science Cafes - more information here

Last but not least, check the NCCPE website for their latest events, including an Open Space event, consultations, and a national conference - http://www.publicengagement.ac.uk/news-and-events

Best wishes,

Philippa

Engagers' Digest - 20/5/10

Dear all,

Welcome to another Digest. A few important dates and opportunities:

1. Bristol BioBlitz - May 21 and 22
Tomorrow is the first day of the Bristol BioBlitz, a 30-hour race against the clock to identify as many species as possible in the Blasie Castle Estate. Come along to join the hunt, or sign up for some of the nature walks including a 4:30am dawn chorus walk! More information here

2. Engage 2010 Marketplace
Thanks to those of you who responded positively to the opportunity to share your engagement work at Engage 2010 on 23 September. This is a great chance to show other groups tools and techniques for engagement you have developed, and the highlights (and low points!) of your experiences. If you are interested in having a table and display board at the meeting, between 12-2pm, please let me know by 30 May.

3. Researchers in Residence
Researchers in Residence (RinR) places enthusiastic early-stage career researchers (PhD and post doc researchers) in host secondary schools to inspire 11-19 year olds about their work.
Participation helps researchers to develop transferable skills and meets funders’ public engagement expectations. Placements are flexible and may comprise demonstrations, discussions, career talks or university visits. Training is provided and researchers funded directly or indirectly by one of the seven UK Research Councils or the Wellcome Trust are eligible to apply.
To apply or find out more call 0845 365 7470 or visit http://www.researchersinresidence.ac.uk/

4. RCUK publication seeks early career researcher profiles
Research Councils UK is calling for researchers who are active in public engagement to take part in a project about their work, in conjunction with the National Co-ordinating Centre and Vitae. More information and a short form to complete is at http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/news/100513.htm

5. Arts and Humanities Research Council/NCCPE event - 16 June, London
Public interest in the arts and humanities has never been greater. But how can academics, researchers and professionals in the arts and humanities and the wider cultural sector grasp the opportunities presented by this enthusiasm? How can their work truly engage the public - for the benefit of themselves, their students, their organisations, and that of the public itself? This event (16 June, 10am-4pm, Glaziers Hall, London) will take this question as its starting point and examine both the strategic and the practical challenges facing those working in the arts and humanities. More information here; click here to register or contact Sophie Duncan at NCCPE.

6. Effective Evaluation for STEM E&E Providers - Thursday 2 September, Bristol
Evaluating activities appropriately is essential to providing schools and colleges with confidence that activities are worthwhile and matched to their students’ needs. Effective evaluation is also a crucial way to assure funders that their money is being well spent, and helps you as STEM providers ensure that your activities are operating as effectively and efficiently as possible. A free one-day workshop for STEM E&E providers - more information at http://www.big.uk.com/events/evaluation/

Engagers' Digest - 10/5/10

Dear all,

Welcome to a packed edition of the Digest. Please forward information on to your colleagues where appropriate.


Engage 2010 Marketplace
Thanks to those of you who responded positively to the opportunity to share your engagement work at Engage 2010 on 23 September. If you are interested in having a table and display board at the meeting, between 12-2pm, please let me know by 30 May.


Urgent

1. Public Engagement training for Engineers at Cheltenham Science Festival - June 2010
Apply today! More information in a separate blog post

2. STFC Public Engagement Symposium - 19 May 2010
Aimed at light source, neutron and muon users (e.g. Diamond, ESRF, CLF, ISIS and ILL) interested in developing public engagement activities that highlight their research to wider audiences, at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.
Register here: http://www.stfc.ac.uk/stfcforms/facilitysymposium.aspx

3. Junior Science Cafes in N Somerset - June and July
Would you be interested in bringing a contemporary science topic alive for secondary school pupils? Gordano School is looking for speakers for lunchtime science cafes in June and July. Please contact me if you are interested.

Other news and opportunities:

4. The Elephant Trust - New, Innovative Visual Arts Projects - 28 June 2010
Grants of up to £2,000 to artists and institutions (priority is given to small organisations and galleries) for new, innovative visual arts projects based in the UK. http://www.elephanttrust.org.uk/docs/intro.html

5. Wellcome Trust Arts Awards - deadline 30 July 2010
These grants support imaginative and experimental arts projects that investigate biomedical science. Up to £30,000 is available for up to three years. Award amount max: £30,000. More information, go to http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Public-engagement/Grants/Arts-Awards/

6. Physiological Society Outreach Grants - monthly rolling deadline
Awards of up to £1000 are available to help inspire the next generation of young physiologists. For more information, go to http://www.physoc.org/grants

7. British Science Festival Festival Assistants - September 2010
Do you want to work at this year’s British Science Festival in Birmingham? Are you free from 13 - 20 September 2010? Working or volunteering at the Festival is an excellent opportunity to take part in the UK’s longest-established science festival which attracts thousands of visitors participating in talks and discussions on the latest burning issues in science. For information and applications visit www.britishscienceassociation.org/jobs

8. Wellcome Trust Society Awards - deadline 12 October 2010
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. More information, go to http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Public-engagement/Grants/Society-Awards/index.htm

Finally - Congratulations to Becky Hothersall in the Vet School's Animal Behaviour and Welfare Group who has received a British Science Association Media Fellowship. Becky will be working with BBC Countryfile and at the British Science Festival in Birmingham.

Best wishes,

Philippa

Engagers' Digest - 10/2/10

Dear colleagues,

Welcome to another edition of the Engagers' Digest. We have a lot of new people who have joined the list - particularly from the Doctoral Training Centres - welcome. Please do send me any news or engagement opportunities that you would like to circulate to the list.

A number of important dates for your diaries:

Discover 2010: Free, family-focused exhibition celebrating research in the heart of Bristol. 11-13 March, The Mall Galleries Broadmead, and Cabot Circus (13 March). Even if you don't have a stall at Discover, come and support your colleagues and see public engagement in action. To volunteer to help contact Dane Comerford

Bioblitz: Bristol Natural History Consortium's race against the clock to find as many animal and plant species as possible in the Blaise Castle Estate. 21-22 May 2010. Contact Philippa to get involved.

Festival of Nature: Europe's largest celebration of the natural world on the Harbourside. June 12-13 2010, with a schools day on Friday June 11. Contact Philippa or Dane to get involved.

Engage 2010: Annual conference for the University's public engagement community. 23 September 2010, venue TBC. Contact Philippa with proposals/ideas for sessions.

NCCPE Conference: The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement are hosting their first national conference on 7-8 December 2010. More information

News & Opportunities

Fiction Writer-in-Residence in the Science Faculty. Tania Hershman, former science journalist and published author of science-inspired short stories and other fiction, will be spending two days per week in the NSQI, exploring the entanglement of science and short stories. Tania welcomes interactions at all scales, from the micro to the nano. Contact her on TaniaH@gmail.com or http://www.taniahershman.com/

Royal Society Partnership Grants - deadline 5 March 2010
Up to £3000 to support scientists working with schools.

ESRC-NCCPE Research Synthesis: Using segmentation tools for public engagement benefit - deadline 12 March 2010
Applications can be made for up to £15,000 for this research synthesis, with additional funding available for outputs and dissemination, as agreed with the NCCPE and ESRC. It is anticipated that this synthesis will be conducted during the spring and summer of 2010. More information

The UK Resource Centre for Women in Science Engineering and Technology is offering £500 technical training grants to women to help meet the cost of accessing higher level training, which could include public engagement training.

Capturing research impacts: A review of international practice
HEFCE commissioned RAND Europe to carry out a review of international approaches to evaluating the impact of research. This report presents the findings of the review, based on four case study examples.

The report and action plan from the Science for All Group has just been published. The report and supporting documents can be accessed either from the British Science Association or Department of Business Innovation and Skills websites.

Best wishes,

Philippa