Engagers' Digest 12/10/11

In this edition of the Digest:

University of Bristol engagement

1. Centre for Public Engagement – Engage 2011 slides [all fields; all levels]
2. InsideArts festival including public discussion ‘Art for art’s sake’: 7.30 pm, 20 October 2011, Watershed [all fields; all levels]
3. University of Bristol workshop on public engagement and the REF: 15 November 2011 [all fields]
4. Calls for student nominations, Convocation Awards: deadline 4 November 2011 [all fields; students]
5. The Art of Science exhibition: 17 November 2011, 5-6 pm [all fields; all levels]

Funding

1. JISC Grant Funding: embedding impact analysis good practice in research using business and community engagement practitioners: deadline 31 October 2011 [all fields; all levels]
2. AHRC/ESRC Connected Communities Programme – call to tender to develop a public dialogue activity: deadline 22 November 2011 [Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences]
3. AHRC/ESRC Joint Call ‘Community Engagement and Mobilisation’: deadline 14 December 2011 [Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences]
4. European Commission call for proposals “Researchers’ Night 2012”: deadline 10 January 2012 [all fields; all levels]
5. Science in Society work programme – call for proposals ‘Mobilisation and Mutual Learning Action Plan’: deadline 22 February 2012 [all fields; all levels]

Events & courses

1. NCCPE Engage 2011 29-30 November 2011 – programme now available [all fields; all levels]
   
2. AHRC event ‘Public Engagement in the Arts and Humanities’: 27 October 2011, London [Arts, Humanities; all levels]
3. STEM Outreach Practitioners CoP event ‘Outreach and Widening Participation in Practice: Sharing Activities and Ideas across STEM Disciplines’: 2 November 2011 [STEM; all levels]
4. Communicate 2011 ‘Nature, People, Economics’: 2-3 November 2011 [all fields; all levels]
5. 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]
6. The Royal Society’s Local Heroes programme – a workshop on 22 November 2011, Bristol [all fields; all levels]
7. People and Research South West training ‘An introduction to public involvement in research’: 22 November 2011 [health; all levels]
8. Science Communication Conference – dates announced as 14-15 May 2012; Kings Place, London [STEM; all levels]

Other news

1. School Science Cafes outreach opportunity [STEM; all levels]
2. Call for submission of articles to new journal: DEMESCI [all fields; all levels]
3. INVOLVE membership applications: deadline 31 October 2011 [health; all levels]
4. 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

Engagers' Digest 24/5/11

With the summer term in full swing we have brought together this collection of upcoming engagement opportunities; mostly events and workshops but also some funding for projects centred on adult and community learning. For a chance to get really involved in Bristol life you could gather together a group of colleagues to represent your profession in the ‘launch procession’ of M Shed, Bristol’s newest museum.

Please feel free to distribute this bulletin onwards to interested colleagues.

In this edition of the Digest:
1. UBU Awards 2011 [all fields; students]
2. Volunteers sought for Bristol Festival of Nature: 16-19 June including set-up day [all fields; all levels]
3. Adult and Community Learning Fund 2011: deadline 10 June [all fields; all levels]
4. Science Communication Training for Europe’s Scientists: booking deadline 1 June [sciences; all levels]
5. People and Research South West Launch Event: 6 June [health and social care; all levels]
6. Bristol Festival of Education: 6 - 17 June [all fields; all levels]
7. National HE STEM Programme event: 7 June [STEM; all levels]
8. Universities Week 2011: What's the big idea? 13 – 19 June [all fields; all levels]
9. M Shed Launch - Procession of Professions: 18 June [all fields; all levels]
10. Exploring Digital Storytelling: 22 June [all fields; all levels]
11. Inspirational Outreach: A Workshop on Sharing Practice 23rd June [STEM; all levels]



1. UBU Awards 2011
The Students’ Union Awards 2011 acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding student activity that has taken place during the year through societies, sports clubs, volunteering, fundraising and projects, as well as individuals’ contributions. There are 14 awards in total including: ‘Best Collaboration’, ‘Voluntary Project of the Year’, and an ‘International Engagement Award’.
‘Outstanding Contribution to Bristol Life’ nominations close on 27 May to allow readers of the Bristol Evening Post to vote on the candidates for the award. Deadline for all other nominations is 5pm Friday 10 June.
Any student can make a nomination and can do so online at www.ubu.org.uk/unionawards

2. Volunteers sought for Bristol Festival of Nature: 16-19 June including set-up day
Helpers are needed from 16-19 June to help set-up, run and de-rig the Bristol Festival of Nature. Jobs will include setting up stalls and marquees and engaging with some of the 25,000 visitors at the festival.
Any post-graduate students who already intend to work with the University directly as internal volunteers, on a specific project, need not register. This is for general Festival volunteers who will be assigned to a variety of roles.
To register please visit www.bnhc.org.uk/home/festival/volunteer
Further information from Matt Postles at matt@bnhc.org.uk and www.festivalofnature.org

3. Adult and Community Learning Fund: deadline 10 June 2011, 12 noon
This is a new fund to help make the Big Society a reality. Organisations from across England can bid for their share of £2.25 million from the Adult and Community Learning Fund for new and imaginative adult and community learning opportunities that engage and motivate, in particular, disadvantaged adults.
The maximum amount for any bid is £75,000 and the minimum is £10,000. The Adult and Community Learning Fund can support a wide range of projects and activities in England - though all of them should deliver learning to adults. Projects will need to demonstrate the role adult learning plays in the achievement of a range of the Government's wider social policy goals. One of eight key themes is ‘civic engagement and community decision making’.
For further details including how to apply visit: http://www.niace.org.uk/news/new-fund-for-adult-and-community-learning?src=fp2nd Inquiries to aclf@niace.org.uk

4. Science Communication Training for Europe’s Scientists: booking deadline 1 June
This training, in Dubrovnik, Croatia from 17 July - 3 August 2011 is being run by ESCONET (European Science Communication Network) which aims to help scientists develop the skills and confidence to interact with media, engage with citizens, to advise and persuade policy-makers and to get clearly heard. The training is open to all scientists and researchers from all disciplines and backgrounds - regardless of their source of funding. That is, participation is not limited to EC FP6 or FP7 funded researchers, which was the case previously. For more information regarding the workshops, our trainers, the booking procedure and fees, please visit our website: http://www.esconet.org

5. People and Research South West Launch Event: 6 June 2011, 1.30 - 5pm
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. At our Launch Event you can find out about this new initiative and how you can be involved, learn about experiences of public involvement in research and to meet other people with an interest in this area. Keynote presentation from Professor John Kirwan and Pam Richards, Patient Research Partner, Academic Department of Rheumatology from the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust.
Venue: Learning and Research building, Southmead Hospital, Bristol Contact Catrin Richards, Public Involvement in Research Co-ordinator Email Catrin.Richards@nbt.nhs.uk or Catrin.Richards@uwe.ac.uk http://hls.uwe.ac.uk/suci/people-and-research-south-west.aspx

6. Bristol Festival of Education: 6 - 17 June 2011
The Graduate School of Education are marking the opening their new Creative Learning Spaces with a series of public events. The events are intended to provoke discussion of key ideas and contributions to the advancement of education, locally and globally. For a full listing of events see the Festival website web: bristol.ac.uk/education/events/festivalofeducation.html

7. A National HE STEM Programme event: 7 June 2011
An invitation to attend the first of a series of free seminars focused on the transition and induction experiences of students on HE STEM programmes and the role of peer assisted learning on these programmes. The day includes a session by Dr Barrie Cooper on ‘Developing a community of practice for STEM Outreach and WP practitioners’.
Venue: Kay Building, Streatham campus. University of Exeter.
Further information from Chris Keenan, Bournemouth University, ckeenan@bournemouth.ac.uk To register visit: https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGZRSzFfUjg3QkozLVhPdTJPZkFMYlE6MA

8. Universities Week 2011: What's the big idea? 13 – 19 June 2011
Universities Week 2011 is a national campaign demonstrating the benefits of universities within UK society. The campaign highlights the impact universities in the UK have on the individual, the local community, its businesses, and the future of the UK, just to name a few.
Each day of ‘Universities Week’ will tell a story about a unique aspect of the country’s universities and their influence on the economy, culture, society, and the future. Ian Morton of Universities UK says “The days have been designed to provide you with a template of activity to which you can link at an institutional level and for you to use with your local and regional press.” If you have any particularly interesting video podcasts or case studies that you think would be of interest to members of the public, please contact Ian.
Further information from http://www.universitiesweek.org.uk/Events/Documents/UniversitiesWeekCampaignResourcePack.pdf Enquiries to: Ian.Morton@UniversitiesUk.ac.uk

9. M Shed Launch - Procession of Professions: 18th June 2011, 11am
An invitation to take part in the Bristol Procession of Professions. This procession is taking place as part of the new museum of Bristol, M Shed, Launch Weekend celebrations and we would love Bristol University staff and students to be involved. It is a chance to bring together and show off as many Bristol trades, professions and businesses as possible.
What we now need is groups of people, in sixes, who will represent the current Bristol professions, trades, businesses and occupations to create the parade wearing iconic costumes of their own choosing. The clergy, the law and the military may have traditionally recognisable clothing, but how would you show what you do?
The procession will proceed on foot from Castle Park (the heart of the old city) through Cabot Circus and Broadmead, and along the harbourside to M Shed. If you are interested, please email: bethan.greaves@bristol.gov.uk with the subject heading ‘procession info please’.

10. Exploring Digital Storytelling: 22 June 2011
Developments in web technology and the variety of digital media now available provide easy access to a wide range of tools for creating and sharing stories. You don't need to be a skilled film maker to produce your own movies! This ‘hands on’ workshop looks at why stories are a powerful and effective way of communicating with an audience and how the technique can be used effectively for a wide range of purposes; learning, publicity and marketing, community engagement and more. Cost £160 including lunch; venue 8-10 Berkeley Square http://www.netskills.ac.uk/content/products/workshops/event/bris-jun11-story-r1/index.html

11. Inspirational Outreach: a workshop on sharing practice: 23rd June 2011
Are you involved in Outreach and Widening Participation activities relating to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the South West of England? Would you like to share your expertise and experiences with colleagues from other institutions? If so, you are warmly invited to attend this workshop, where there will be keynote speakers such as Professor Angie Hart, Dr Alison Hooper and Sophie Duncan, who will discuss the benefits of being part of a STEM Outreach and WP Community of Practice.
In light of the loss of Aimhigher and the focus in Access Agreements on effective (and collaborative) Outreach, we aim to develop a sustainable South-West regional Community of Practice for STEM Outreach and WP practitioners. The Inspirational Outreach Workshop provides an important opportunity for practitioners to share practice and coordinate cross-institutional peer review activities. In doing so, we hope STEM Outreach and WP practitioners across the South-West will be able to become more deeply involved in building a network of cross-institutional collaborative partnerships and achieve more effective STEM Outreach and WP activity.
See additional blog post with programme.
11am – 4pm, College of Engineering, Harrison Building, University of Exeter Free registration. https://www.survey.exeter.ac.uk/inspirational_outreach For further information, please contact Laura Bonner: M.L.Bonner@exeter.ac.uk

Engagers Digest - 10/11/10

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to another issue of the Engagers Digest.

We're thinking about creative ways to support training in public engagement across the University, and would like to start an informal mentoring scheme whereby people with public engagement experience help those just starting out. If you would be willing to be a mentor - which could involve just a one-off chat with someone, or more regular meetings - or if you feel you would benefit from a mentor, please get in touch with Philippa. Thank you!


In this issue...

1. Case studies wanted for 'Science for All' Expert Panel - engaging 'unusual' audiences - deadline 12 November
   [case study]


2. Museums, Researchers and Engagement: Working together to develop our skills
   25 January 2011, London
   [event]


3. NCCPE national conference - 8/9 December 2010, London
   [conference]


4. Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust - 4 January 2011
   [funding]


5. Healthy Heart Grants - 28 February 2011
   [funding]

And a few items of interest:

1. ENCOUNTERING THE ARCHIVE - 18 November 2010: Department of Drama and Encounters Film Festival
   [event]


2. Read Science Faculty Fiction Writer-in-Residence Tania Hershman's post on the Wellcome Collection blog
   [blog]

Back to contents

1. Case studies about engaging 'unusual' audiences with the sciences - deadline 12 November [case study]
As part of a project for The Science for All Expert panel set up by The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the British Science Association is looking for 20 UK case studies that highlight excellence in engaging diverse publics with the sciences. Case study proposals are very brief but have to be submitted by 12 November; full case studies will be requested if chosen. More information in this blog post

Back to contents

2. Museums, Researchers and Engagement: Working together to develop our skills - 25 January 2011, London [event]

The NCCPE and the Beacons for Public Engagement have come together to host a workshop based around the excellent work already being done between universities, research institutes and museums. In partnership with the University Museums Group, this event aims to:

- Develop mutual understanding between the research community and museums;
- Showcase effective practice through a number of case studies highlighting the many ways universities and museums can work together;
- Strengthen networking between museums and universities through exploring skills development and training;
- Provide opportunities for people to explore potential projects.
We would like to encourage you bring a partner from a university/museum. However if you haven't got a partner we would still encourage you to attend the event and we will allocate you a partner during the day.

Case studies are invited and need to be submitted by 20 November - for more details please see the NCCPE events page

Back to contents

3. The conference of the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement [conference]
The Engaged University: Embracing Change - is on 7/8 December. If you are interested in attending there is now a waiting list. More information is available on the NCCPE site.

Back to contents

4. Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust - 4 January 2011 [funding]

The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust grant making programme is open for applications. Within the UK, the Trust makes grants to both organisations and individuals for activities that relate to:
• Peace and conflict resolution.
• Promoting racial justice.
• Power and responsibility.
• Quaker concerns.
The Trust tends to fund work that is on a national level and there are no maximum grant limits although the Trust does stress that costings need to be realistic.

The next deadline for applications is 9 pm on the 4th January 2011.
More information from: http://www.jrct.org.uk/

Back to contents

5. Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Grants - 28 February 2011 [funding]

These grants support innovative projects designed to promote heart health and to prevent or reduce the risks of heart disease in specific groups or communities, up to £10,000. More information from the Heart Research UK site.

Back to contents

Items of interest:

1. ENCOUNTERING THE ARCHIVE: A collaboration between the Department of Drama and Encounters Film Festival

Thurs Nov 18; Wickham Theatre, Department of Drama, University of Bristol
Tickets available here

Encountering the Archive is an event (panel 5pm followed by screening 7pm) which
delves into the fascinating ethical issues surrounding film archives and
the use of archive film material. Is there a right or wrong way to use
archive film? Is it possible to betray an original meaning or purpose?
Should archivists have any say in the re-use and recycling of work from
their collections?

Back to contents

That's all for this issue of the Digest. As always we're happy to hear your feedback

Best wishes

Philippa

• Visit bristol.ac.uk/public-engagement


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


• Follow us on Twitter

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 - 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 - 13/1/10

Dear all,


Happy New Year and welcome to the first Engagers' Digest of 2010. Please don't hesitate to contact me about your public engagement projects, or if you are looking for funding for your work. I'd be happy to help.

Best wishes,

Philippa



Discover 2010
The University of Bristol's celebration of research will be taking place from 11-13 March 2010 in The Mall Galleries, Broadmead and Cabot Circus, among other venues. We're planning a range of activities for schools and families from interactive stalls to a giant bubble challenge. If you need publicity for events taking place in Bristol during National Science and Engineering Week, or the Festival of Social Sciences, please get in touch with Dane Comerford. Last deadline for submitting stall ideas/proposals is tomorrow, Tuesday 19 January.



British Science Association Award Lectures 2010 - deadline 26 February
http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/BritishScienceFestival/WhatsOn/TheAwardLectures2010.htm.htm

Do you know a brilliant science communicator? Nominations for the 2010 British Science Association Award Lectures are now open.

• Joseph Lister Award - Social sciences


• Isambard Kingdom Brunel Award - Engineering, technology and industry


• Charles Lyell Award - Environmental sciences


• Charles Darwin Award - Agricultural, biological and medical sciences


• Lord Kelvin Award - Physical sciences and mathematics

British Science Association Media Fellowships 2010 - deadline 2 March
These 3-8 week Media Fellowships create a greater awareness and understanding of the workings of the media among practising scientists, clinicians, social scientists and engineers. www.britishscienceassociation.org/mediafellows


Royal Society Partnership Awards - deadline 5 March
The Royal Society are looking for enthusiastic teachers, scientists and engineers to collaborate on innovative projects in schools that will help show students how exciting science can be!
The Royal Society can offer up to £3000 to schools as part of its Partnership Grants scheme.
For more information on the scheme, go to http://royalsociety.org/partnership

Engagers' Digest 9/12/09

Welcome to another Engagers' Digest, the last before Christmas.

We're approaching the target of 100 Public Engagement Stories - short case studies about public engagement that help celebrate the University's Centenary. Check out the latest stories:

• Mathematical Ethnographies
• Innocence Day 2009
• Finance for All

Call for proposals - Science Communication Conference. Deadline 21 December 2009
The Science Communication Conference will be held on 24 and 25 May 2010, at Kings Place London. The British Science Association are asking for proposals for sessions on the theme of 'Audiences for engagement', and non-science contributions are welcomed. More details here or contact Alice Taylor-Gee.

Hold your event at the Science Museum's Dana Centre - Feb-March 2010
The Dana Centre are looking to work with external organisations and individuals who share their aim of engaging audiences aged 16 years+ in contemporary science, engineering, medicine, technology, design and enterprise. They will provide the Dana Centre venue free of charge, a duty manager for the night and technical support in order to help deliver the event. The theme for their mid February - March 2010 season will be titled: BRE4TH
http://www.danacentre.org.uk/aboutus/holdyourownevent

STFC Science in Society Fellowships. Closing date 2 March 2010
Fellows act as champions or ambassadors for STFC's science, technology, engineering and mathematics ('STEM') work to schools, the media or public audiences. Find out more here.

STFC also run a bursary scheme for media and communications training, and offer funding for public engagement through their Science in Society schemes. Various deadlines.

Science and Society Consultation - Science for All
Contribute to the Government's Science and Society Consultation, via the Science for All working group's site.

Beyond the Lecture Hall
A selection of papers published as an electronic book from last year's 'Beyond the lecture hall: universities and community engagement from the middle ages to the present day'


Best wishes, have a Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2010.

Philippa

Funding and sustainability

Funding and sustainability of public engagement was a big topic, especially in the current recession.

Challenges

• Funders may not encourage experiment
• They want to know your output before you've started
• There's no money available for research, let alone for public engagement

Tips

• Include public engagement in research grant applications
• Think laterally
• Solicit donations or sponsorship
• Try non-higher education schemes
• Be persistent
• Use the CPE and NCCPE websites
• The CPE can advise on seeking funding

Steven Hill, Research Council UK Strategy Unit

Dr Steven Hill from Research Councils UK presents perspectives on public engagement as part of the conference plenary, looking specifically at the impact agenda and the role of public engagement.

Excellence, impact and engagement

View more documents from cpebristol.

Some main points below.

According to RCUK, impact means 'demonstrable contribution that excellent research makes to society and the economy'.

Researchers are expected to:

• disseminate their findings widely
• engage with users of research/public
• ensure exploitation of research findings
• equip their students with engagement skills

Engagement matters because:

• research is responsive to societal needs
• benefits of research are shared through talking to the public about it
• it maximises the impact of research - leading to the development of an accessible responsive research base. The public can see the difference that research makes which might inspire the researchers of tomorrow.

The RCUK wants to find out what people think about science and research, and to reach them by engaging them in contemporary research. It also aims to encourage young researchers to engage with the public using different tools to keep people informed.

An example of investment supporting researchers public engagement includes the Beacons for public engagement - an initiative charged with culture change within higher education institutions. RCUK also supports a number of schemes that help researchers engage directly with the public (e.g. NSEW awards, centrally-managed scheme).

Other ways in which RCUK promotes public engagement include:

• supporting the placement of researchers in schools, sowing the seeds of contemporary science in classrooms
• helping early career researchers to communicate their work widely - see the Vitae programme website for further information
• running poster competitions for early career researchers - emphasising impact of their research on society.

Dr Hill also described a forthcoming publication looking at the benefits of public engagement from the perspectives of the researchers. Their conclusions to date are that these benefits can best be described through a narrative/case study approach (do you agree?).