Engagers' Digest 27/2/2015

In this edition:
University of Bristol engagement
1. CPE Training: 9 March
2. Workshop on building relationships with civil society organisations: 9 March
3. Introductory schools public engagement training: 23 March
4. Invitation to Einstein's Garden Idea Generation Workshop: deadline 23 March
5. STEM Teach Meet for researchers: 25 March

Funding and awards
6. British Science Festival Award Lecture Nominations: deadline 2 March
7. Public engagement grants from the Society for Endocrinology

Events and training
8. Science Learning+ Conference in Cambridge: 12-13 March
9. Being Human Festival; get involved: deadline 17 April
10. Online Science Communication Course at UWE: starting 20 April
11. Communicate 2015; Challenging Partnerships: 10-11 November

News and opportunities
12. Science Show Off; performer sign up: 19 March
13. Science Gallery London; open call for content: deadline 22 March
14. BSA Media Fellowships: deadline 3 April

Engagers' Digest 19/2/13

In this edition:

University of Bristol engagement

1. Bristol Festival of Nature
2. Mayor’s Bristol Genius Award 2013: nominations open until 15 April
3. University of Bristol Engagement awards: deadline 11 March

Funding

1. Applications for the 2013 L’Oréal-UNESCO UK and Ireland For Women in Science Fellowships: deadline 15 March
2. British Society for Immunology small grants: deadline 1 April
3. Institute of Physics' Public Engagement Grant Scheme 2013 round 2: closing date 22 April
4. Wellcome Trust Society Awards: deadline 26 April
5. The Biochemical Society outreach grants: deadline 29 April
6. Wellcome Trust Small Arts Awards: deadline 28 June
7. Royal Society of Chemistry public activities small grants scheme

Events

1. British Science Association Media Fellowships: deadline 11 March
2. Ethics in Community-based participatory research workshop, 11 March, London
3. Connected Communities Showcase Event: 12 March, London

 Other news

1. Opportunity to be a school governor at Birdwell School in Long Ashton
2. Outreach opportunity - Future World Day at Cotham School: 15-18 July
3. Outreach opportunity - English Language at Cotham School

Engagers’ Digest 26/06/12

In this edition:

University of Bristol engagement

1. Job opportunity - Public Engagement Officer: closing date 9 July 2012
2. Bristol Festival of Nature 2012

Funding

1. Wellcome Trust Peoples Awards: deadline 27 July
2. Nominet Trust Digital Edge Programme: deadline 5 September
3. Royal Academy of Engineering Ingenious grants: deadline 21 September 2012
4. RCUK School-University Partnerships Initiative: deadline 25 September 2012
5. Educational Endowment Fund: deadline 5 October

Events

1. Festival in the forest: Up to Nature: 29 June – 1July
2. ‘Get involved in shaping research and building partnerships’ workshop: 12 July
3. Bright Club Bristol: 23 August 2012 (training 27 July)

Other news

1. Editor of new magazine on merging science and art is looking for writers

Engagers’ Digest 18 / 04/ 12

In this edition:

University of Bristol engagement

1. Schools' Interaction Survey: reminder
2. Low Carbon South West research project competition - presentations: 3 May 2012

Funding

1. ESRC Knowledge Exchange Opportunities scheme: deadline 7 June 2012
2. Wellcome Trust Society Awards: deadline 5 October 2012

Events

1. Research Development Workshop - Communities, Cultures, Environments and Sustainability: 22 - 24 May 2012, Bristol
2. Training the trainer - Basic Skills for Evaluation: 9 May 2012, Bristol
3. Science communication training day: 7 June 2012, London
4. NCCPE Engage 2012 conference: 5 – 6 December 2012, Bristol

Other news

1. Health and Life Science PhD scholarships at UWE: deadline 13 May 2012
2. Outreach opportunity to inspire the next generation of female scientists: 13 July 2012
3. INVOLVE – new edition of briefing notes on public engagement
4. Wellcome Trust Science Writing Prize: deadline 25 April 2012
5. BSA poster competition - Strictly Engineering: deadline 16 May 2012

University of Bristol engagement

1. Schools' Interaction Survey - reminder: new closing date 31 May 2012
Just a reminder for University of Bristol staff to complete this 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 closing date has been extended to 31 May 2012.
Online questionnaire: https://www.survey.bris.ac.uk/gsoe/interaction/

2. Low Carbon South West research project competition - presentations: 3 May 2012
The finalists, chosen from a wide range of high quality entries, will present to a panel of judges. The four undergraduate projects, linked with external companies, include two students from the University of Bristol, Jo Humphrey from the School of Chemistry and Bretton Davis from the Department of Civil Engineering.
Whilst the judges finalise their decision, there will be an opportunity to find out about two team projects at the universities of Bath and Bristol, both focused on low carbon technologies; the design of an electric powertrain for Bath's entry into Formula Student 2013 and the ongoing development of Bristol's wind powered vehicle for the international Aeolus Race.

Date: 5.30 - 6.30 pm 3 May 2012
Venue: lecture theatre 1.15, Queen's Building, University Walk, BS8 1TR
Further information from web: http://www.bris.ac.uk/cabot/news/2012/152.html and
email: paul.harper@bristol.ac.uk

Funding

1. ESRC Knowledge Exchange Opportunities scheme: deadline 7 June 2012
The scheme provides the opportunity to apply for funding for knowledge exchange (and public engagement) activities at any stage of the research lifecycle, and is aimed at maximising the impact of social science research outside academia. You do not have to be ESRC funded to apply for this scheme.
http://www.esrc.ac.uk/funding-and-guidance/collaboration/knowledge-exchange/opportunities/index.aspx
email: knowledgeexchange@esrc.ac.uk

2. Wellcome Trust Society Awards: deadline 5 October 2012
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. Projects should aim to achieve at least one of the following:
• Stimulate interest, excitement and debate about biomedical science through various methods. • Examine the social, cultural, historical and ethical impact of biomedical science.
• Encourage new ways of thinking about biomedical science. 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/Funding-schemes/People-and-Society-Awards/

Events & Training

1. Research Development Workshop - Communities, Cultures, Environments and Sustainability: 22 - 24 May 2012, Bristol
The next Connected Communities research development workshop, organised in collaboration with the Living with Environmental Change partnership will be held at Paintworks in Bristol, on the theme of Communities, Cultures, Environments and Sustainability. The majority of places at the workshop will be allocated through an open call for applications. Applications are invited both from individual academic researchers who can contribute to the workshop and resulting research projects and from potential project partners with relevant policy, practice and/or community interests who are interested in collaborating with future research in this area.
Applicants should complete a short Expression of Interest. The deadline for applications to attend the workshop is Wednesday 25th April.
http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/FundingOpportunities/Pages/connectedcommunities.aspx#15

2. Training the trainer - Basic Skills for Evaluation: 9 May 2012, Bristol
HE Stem National Programme have funded the NCCPE and Beacons for public engagement to develop training support for HE Stem practitioners and others to develop their evaluation skills. The NCCPE have launched three training the trainer courses for HE trainers wishing to make use of the Basic Skills for Evaluation training course in their own institution. The train the trainer course will be run on the Wednesday 2nd May (London), Wednesday 9th May (Bristol) and Thursday 24th May (Birmingham).
http://www.publicengagement.ac.uk/train-trainer-beginners-guide-evaluation

3. Science communication training day: 7 June 2012
This one-day workshop is a collaboration between SEB, the Biochemical Society and the British Ecological Society. Its aim is to help PhD students and postdocs improve their science communication skills.
Venue: Charles Darwin House, London
For more information and to register go to:
http://www.biochemistry.org/Conferences/Courses.aspx

4. NCCPE Engage 2012 conference: 5 – 6 December 2012, Bristol
With the 2012 dates now announced, further details will be released on the NCCPE website shortly.
http://www.publicengagement.ac.uk/

Other news

1. Health and Life Science PhD scholarships at UWE: deadline 13 May 2012
A number of opportunities here, including a scholarship exploring science communication: personalised health, self tracking technologies and the use of biological concepts.
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/research/postgraduateresearchstudy/studentshipopportunities/healthandlifesciences.aspx

2. Outreach opportunity to inspire the next generation of female scientists: 13 July 2012
Skirting Science is a one day event that inspires the next generation of female scientists. It is taking place in Weston-super-Mare on the 13th July. This is the fourth time the event has run and over 200 Year 9 girls will attend. Female science professionals present hands-on workshops that give participants an experience of science careers. Each workshop lasts for one hour and is repeated three times over the course of the day. A report in previous events can be found at http://www.spanglefish.com/NSISSP/index.asp?pageid=317656. So if you’re a scientist, engineer or mathematician looking to reach young people in the local area and would like to deliver a workshop please do get in contact.
My name is Mark Nelson and I can be contacted at mark.nelson2@n-somerset.gov.uk or 01275 885301.

3. INVOLVE – new edition of briefing notes on public engagement
INVOLVE has published a new edition of their online guide on how to involve members of the public in research on health and social care research
http://www.invo.org.uk/resource-centre/resource-for-researchers/

4. Wellcome Trust Science Writing Prize: deadline 25 April 2012
The Prize is aimed at fostering high quality writing among science communicators who are either just starting their careers, or who write mainly as a hobby. Student journalists are eligible as are people who blog about science. There are separate categories for professional scientists, and interested laypeople.
http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Public-engagement/Science-Writing-Prize/index.htm

5. BSA poster competition - Strictly Engineering: deadline 16 May 2012
Engineers have the opportunity to be mentored by professional graphic designers and public engagement specialists through a one day workshop designed to develop their verbal and visual communication skills and a three day all expenses paid trip to the British Science Festival in Aberdeen to display their poster as part of a special exhibition. http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/strictlyengineering

Engagers' Digest 13/01/12

In this edition:

University of Bristol engagement

1. Engagement awards: application deadline 13 March 2012 [all fields; all levels]
2. Enhancing STEM Academics' Public Engagement Skills [STEM; all levels]
3. SYBHEL synthetic biology short story competition: deadline 16 April 2012 [all fields; all levels]

Funding

1. Wellcome Trust Peoples Awards: deadline 27 January 2012 [biomedical science; all levels]
2. The Physiological Society public engagement grants: deadline 29 February 2012 [physiology; all levels]
3. JISC Grant Funding Call: deadline 1 March 2012 [all fields; all levels]

Events

1. Bringing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curricula to life through public engagement: 1 March 2012
2. Bright Club: 1 March 2012, 7:30pm
3. The Rules of Engagement Seminar Series: various dates
4. Surveying Impact: Using Questionnaires to Evaluate Learning and Engagement Outcomes: 24 February 2012
5. BIG Event 2012: 25-27 July 2012

Other news

1. The British Science Association Award Lectures nominations deadline 27 January 2012
2. Developing public engagement projects during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games

University of Bristol engagement

1. Engagement awards: application deadline 13 March 2012
We are pleased to announce the Engagement awards for 2011/12, sponsored by the Society of Merchant Venturers. Two awards will be made this year, each of £500, one to an individual and one to a group showing outstanding achievement in engagement. Individuals or groups can apply for the awards, or be nominated by a colleague. More details can be found on web: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/public-engagement/staff/engagement-awards/ or contact Kate Miller on email: kate.miller@bristol.ac.uk tel: (0117) 33 18321.

2. Enhancing STEM Academics' Public Engagement Skills
An online guide entitled "Delivering Effective STEM Public Engagement" has been produced as part of a University of Bristol-led project which aims to help academics working in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM subjects) to design and carry out public engagement workshops with school children. The guide, which was funded by the National HE STEM Programme, is available to download from the project's website:
http://www.hestem-sw.org.uk/widening-participation/wp-projects/?p=16&pp=Training+Resources+for+STEM+Public+Engagement

3. SYBHEL synthetic biology short story competition: deadline 16 April 2012
The SYBHEL Project has launched a multimedia synthetic biology short story competition to imaginatively consider the issues around synthetic biology through the creation of fictional narratives. The stories can be told using a range of different media including, writing, film, animation, graphic novels, spoken word or music. The competition is open to anyone over the age of 16 and more details can be found on web: http://sybhel.org/?p=761#

Funding

1. Wellcome Trust Peoples Awards: deadline 27 January 2012
Awards of up to £30,000 are available under the Wellcome Trust's Peoples Awards for projects that encourage public debate and understanding of biomedical science. Projects can be funded for up to three years and can include activities such as:

• Workshops and seminars
• Arts projects for a variety of different audiences and age groups
• Teaching materials or techniques to encourage wider discussions
• Projects that utilise the collections of the Wellcome Library and the Wellcome Collection at the Science Museum.

Web: http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Public-engagement/Funding-schemes/people-awards/index.htm
The Centre for Public Engagement is able to provide assistance with planning and developing applications; contact Kate Miller on email: kate.miller@bristol.ac.uk if you are interested in applying for this scheme.

2. The Physiological Society public engagement grants: deadline 29 February 2012
The Physiological Society is launching a new grant scheme to support public engagement. A total of £5000 is available to both Society members and non-members to engage with public audiences on a topic that relates to physiology. Further information from web: http://www.physoc.org/public-engagement-grants

3. JISC Grant Funding Call: deadline 1 March 2012
The NCCPE has partnered with JISC to fund an opportunity for researcher groups to develop their capability to analyse and articulate the impact and benefits of their work, by working in partnership with FE and HE staff who have expertise in impact analysis. The objective is to stimulate the cross-pollination of existing expertise and technology to enhance capacity in the impact analysis of research across the sector.
Funding of up to £30,000 per project is available to support three-way
collaborative partnerships comprising:

• Research groups seeking to develop their capabilities in analysing and articulating the impact and benefits of their research
• Business and Community Engagement (BCE) practitioners with expertise in identifying external impact and benefits, and designing institutional services for this purpose
• Leading research information management expertise and resources for impact evidence.

The NCCPE has launched an online matching site to support the formation of these partnerships. Interested researchers, impact analysts and research information management experts can sign up here: http://nccpe1.ning.com

Events

1. Bringing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curricula to life through public engagement: 1 March 2012
Organised by the National HE STEM Programme and the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement, this one day workshop explores the role of public engagement within the STEM curriculum, and its impact on students, on universities and on the public. This event will provide training and guidance on models of community-engaged learning and explore pedagogic and assessment issues. Academics, students, community partners and practitioners from all disciplines and areas are invited and up to £1000 in funding will be provided following the workshop for academics and practitioners to develop their practice in STEM disciplines.
Venue: Aston Conference Centre, University of Aston
Web: http://www.publicengagement.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/bringing-science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics-stem-curricula-life-t
2. Bright Club: 1 March 2012, 7:30pm
Bright Club, the thinking person's variety night, has come to Bristol. Fresh from a sell-out first gig, they are looking for people who are brilliant at telling stories about what they know to take part in the second show. The training session for participants will be on the afternoon of Friday 3 February. For more details, see http://brightclubbristol.wordpress.com/ or contact Hayley Birch on email: hayley@soundsofscience.co.uk

3. The Rules of Engagement Seminar Series
The Culture Capital Exchange has organised a series of informal seminars aimed at assisting academic researchers communicate their research in a range of public situations and media. Topics covered include expressing complex ideas in an accessible way, making the most of networking, top tips on public speaking, blogging, tweeting, and presenting yourself and your ideas to the media.
Venue: Somerset House, London
For details about the individual sessions and to book:
a) Engaging in non-academic context: 25 January, 6-8pm http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2651993183
b) Communicating with non-academic groups: 1 March, 6-8pm http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2652053363
c) Broadcasting your ideas: 29 March, 6-8pm
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2652067405
4. Surveying Impact: Using Questionnaires to Evaluate Learning and Engagement Outcomes: 24 February 2012
Questionnaires offer a standardised method of collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. The sampling, distribution and analysis of questionnaires must be very carefully designed. This seminar will go over best practice principles as well as new and innovative ways of using
questionnaires to validly and reliably measure impacts.
Venue: Dana Centre, London
Web: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/sociology/news/scd/publicengagement/#Surveying Impact 24 Feb. 2012

5. BIG Event 2012: 25-27 July 2012
The British Interactive Group Annual Event is a prestigious conference that brings together 150+ STEM engagement and associated professionals from across the UK and beyond to share skills and experiences, develop professional links and keep up-to-date with the STEM engagement field. BIG is the skills-sharing network for individuals involved in the communication of science, technology, engineering and maths.
Venue: National Railway Museum, York
Web: http://www.big.uk.com

Other news

1. The British Science Association Award Lectures: nominations deadline 27 January 2012
The British Science Association is seeking nominations for Award Lectures to be delivered during the British Science Festival in Aberdeen between 4th and 9th September 2012. The Award Lectures reward five researchers who are also talented communicators and able to share their work with a general audience. The deadline for nominations is the 27th January. For details of eligibility criteria and the nomination form, visit
http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/BritishScienceFestival/aboutthefestival/AwardLectures.htm

2. Developing public engagement projects during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games
Graphic Science, with funding from the Wellcome Trust, have produced a document which contains some information that may be of use to any individuals or organisations looking to develop public engagement projects during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games: http://www.graphicscience.co.uk/files/support_for_engagement_during_London_2012.pdf

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 - 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

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