Showing posts with label science communication. Show all posts
Showing posts with label science communication. Show all posts

Monday, 14 September 2015

In this edition:

University of Bristol engagement
1. Bristol Bright Night volunteers needed
2. Become a Cabot event volunteer
3. Introductory schools engagement training: 7 October, Bristol
4. Thinking Futures Festival: 7-14 November

Funding and awards

5. Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition call for proposals: deadline 21 September
6. Researchers’ Choice award for science communication: deadline 30 September
7. Vice Chancellor’s Impact Award: deadline 30 September
8. AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science: deadline 15 October
9. Royal Society of Chemistry Outreach Award: deadline 30 October
10. Telling Tales of Engagement Competition: deadline 1 December

Events and training
11. 2015 ASDC National Conference: 23 and 24 September, Bristol
12. Imagine the university: five bright ideas: 6 October, Bristol
13. PRWE: Building research partnerships workshops: 15 October, Bristol
14. Elizabeth Blackwell Annual Lecture: 2 November, Bristol
15. Communicate 2015: Challenging Partnerships: 10 and 11 November, Bristol
16. Science Communication Masterclass: 9-12 November, At-Bristol

News and opportunities
17. Science Showoff




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University of Bristol engagement

1. Bristol Bright Night volunteers needed
Bristol Bright Night will take over the city on 25 September. Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of events happening as part of this celebration of research. Roles include timing bite-sized talks, helping to set up the researchers’ fair, helping manage and informing the public for an interactive display on digital instruments and supporting schools day. We also need a couple of volunteers to help deliver the activities at a stall on Science and Poetry. If you are interested in Science or Poetry and willing to play with words please get in touch. For more information and to volunteer contact kelly.atkins@bristol.ac.uk

2. Become a Cabot event volunteer
We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable volunteers to help make this year's Cabot events a resounding success. Duties will involve welcoming guests, taking tickets, holding the roaming mic, social media support, and supporting the Event Coordinator throughout the evening. During most events you will be required from 5.30 pm to 7.45 pm. Please contact amanda.gray@bristol.ac.uk at the Cabot Institute for more details.

3. Introductory schools engagement training: 7 October, Bristol
This schools engagement training session will be led by our colleagues at Graphic Science on Wednesday 7 October from 10am – 1pm. The workshop will focus on confidence, communication and presentation skills as well as practical advice for working with schools. It is open to University of Bristol researchers from any discipline who want to develop their public engagement repertoire. This opportunity is offered through the RCUK School-University Partnership Initiative (SUPI), which aims to inspire and raise aspirations of secondary school students through engagement with cutting edge research. For more information or to book please contact chloe.anderson@bristol.ac.uk at the Centre for Public Engagement.

4. Thinking Futures Festival: 7-14 November
As part of the ESRC’s national festival of social science and law, the University is once again hosting its Thinking Futures festival. There will be events all over the city throughout the week with topics ranging from food poverty and climate change to making Bristol a child friendly city. More information and the 2015 programme.


Funding and awards

5. Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition call for proposals: deadline 21 September
Applications are now open for the Summer Science Exhibition in 2016. The Exhibition provides a unique opportunity to raise the profile of your research, technology or institution with key influencers, including potential funders, government and the public. Application details.

6. Researchers’ Choice award for science communication: deadline 30 September
For early career researchers who are brilliant at communicating their scientific ideas to the public. To nominate the next Brian Cox, upload their info and supporting evidence at www.mendeley.com/. To find out more go to the application guidelines.

7. Vice Chancellor’s Impact Award: deadline 30 September
Applications are invited from individual researchers or teams who can demonstrate the contribution that their research has made in benefiting society through: increasing the effectiveness of policy-making or public services; enhancing quality of life, health or creative output; and fostering economic success. A total prize fund of £1,500 is available to the winners who will be announced at the 2015 Enterprise Dinner on Thursday 15th October. For more information and an application form visit the website. Please send all completed forms to research-impact@bristol.ac.uk.

8. AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science: deadline 15 October
Nominate a deserving early career scientist or engineer who has made outstanding contributions to the "popularization of science” via their public engagement work. Nominators are encouraged to identify candidates whose contributions reach broad audiences. For more information http://www.aaas.org/page/aaas-award-public-engagement-science?utm_src=email.

9. Royal Society of Chemistry Outreach Award: deadline 30 October
The awards aim to encourage and support the development of projects that raise awareness of chemistry in people’s everyday lives, and/or develop the science communication skills of those who are already highly trained in chemistry. Various levels of award are available. Application details.

10. Telling Tales of Engagement Competition: deadline 1 December
The RCUK Digital Economy Theme is running a competition to promote the impact that digital economy research is having. Three prizes of £10,000 are available to further tell the story of research impact in an interesting and engaging way to a wider audience. Application details.
Events and training

11. 2015 ASDC National Conference: 23 and 24 September, Bristol
Registration is now open for the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centre’s National Conference. It will be held in At-Bristol and will bring together professionals from science museums, natural history and environmental organisations, public engagement organisations and science-based visitor attractions. For a full programme and to register visit the website.

12. Imagine the university: five bright ideas: 6 October, Bristol
As part of the Happy University series, inspired by the Happy City Index, a panel of radical thinkers will suggest ‘big ideas’ to make the university a happier place. Suggestions will also be discussed from the audience. Information and booking.

13. PRWE: Building research partnerships workshops: 15 October, Bristol
People and Research West of England host and co-organise a wide range of events aimed at both members of the public and health professionals alike. Have you ever wanted to get involved in research, but don’t know where to start? Are you a health sciences researcher who would like to involve the public in your research, but don’t know how to recruit or train them? The workshop will outline the different types of research methods and terminology used in health sciences research and how the public can get involved, as well as exploring the issues related to becoming and being a member of the public involved in research. Free lunch provided. Booking details.

14. Elizabeth Blackwell Annual Lecture: 2 November, Bristol
The lecture will be held at Wills Memorial Building and will be given by Professor Dame Anne Johnson. ‘When pathogens meet people: controlling infectious disease epidemics’ is the focus of the lecture. Full details.

15. Communicate 2015: Challenging Partnerships: 10 and 11 November, Bristol
A chance to collaborate and partner with other environmental communicators to tackle the urgent and complex threats facing the natural world. Two days of inspiring content, interactive workshops and engaging discussion held in At-Bristol. For more information and to register visit the website.

16. Science Communication Masterclass: 9-12 November, At-Bristol
The Masterclass is an intensive course created to provide professional development in science communication. It draws on the existing expertise of the team that delivers UWE's popular and practical MSc in Science Communication. Further details of the Masterclass and the Science Communication unit.

News and opportunities

17. Science Showoff, Bristol and London
Chaotic open mic for science lovers. An opportunity for those enthusiastic about communicating science to stand up in front of an audience and give it a go. For more information about what the gigs entail and when they happen.


Tuesday, 7 July 2015

Engagers’ Digest 7/07/2015

In this edition:
University of Bristol engagement 1. Bristol Bright Night call for proposals: deadline 14 July 2. Call for actors and improvisers for street theatre science: deadline 21 July 3. Website launched to showcase Bristol 2015 activities Funding and awards 4. Applications open for Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowships: deadline 22 September 5. Biochemical Society scientific outreach grants: deadline 25 September 6. Early Career Physics Communicator Award: deadline 5 October Events and training 7. The Slogramme Approach: 7 July, Bristol 8. Bristol Sci Comm social: 8 July, Bristol 9. Tools for Impact: Creative media, digital technology and design: 9 July, Bristol 10. The BIG event: 22 - 24 July, Norwich 11. Enhancing Facilitation Workshop: 17 September, Bristol News and opportunities 12. Journal Club: 14 July, Bristol 13. Thornbury Science Festival: 18 July, Thornbury 14. School Food Project involvement opportunity: 15 September, Bristol

Wednesday, 1 April 2015

Engagers' Digest 01/04/2015

In this edition:

University of Bristol engagement
1. Schools Lecturette Workshop: 20 April, Bristol
2. Do you have a public engagement story to share?

Funding and awards
3.  STFC Public Engagement Small Awards 2015 call – deadline 30 April
4. Public Engagement funding opportunity from Royal College of Pathologists: deadline 8 June

Events and training
5. 5Hz event: Open until 6 April, Bristol
6. Science in Culture Early Career Researcher Workshop – The Lived Environment: deadline 10 April, London
7. Bristol 2015 Student Day: 21 April, At-Bristol
8. Guardian masterclass in science communication: 25 April, London
9. Hot Topic Session on Patient Leadership: 30 April, Bristol

News and opportunities
10.  Apply for I’m a Scientist and I’m an Engineer outreach events: deadline 3 May
11. Rising Ape Presents Night looking for collaborators
12. Nuffield Research Placements programme for STEM researchers

Friday, 13 March 2015

Engagers' Digest 13/03/2015


In this edition:
University of Bristol engagement
1. Introductory schools public engagement training: 23 March
2. European Green Capital, Bristol 2015 internal networking event: 25 March
3. Festival of Nature propose and exhibit: deadline 2 April
4. Being Human Festival get involved: deadline 17 April

Funding and awards
5. Redland and Cotham Amenities Society grant for urban environment postgrad projects: UoB deadline 15 May

Events and training
6. Bristol Politics Café
7. The BIG Event early bird registration: deadline 5 April
8. 2015 Science Communication Conference: 18-19 June
9. Science in Public 2015 registration: 7-10 July
10. Registration for NCCPE training now open

News and opportunities
11. British Science Festival call for proposals: deadline 23 March
12. Land of the Summer People Exhibition: 25 March
13. Rising Ape Presents: 25 March
14. Jawbreaker audio communication contest for STEM topics: deadline 15 June
15. Speakezee.org
16. Opportunity to collaborate on a schools engagement project on the Dunkirk Evacuation

Friday, 27 February 2015

Engagers' Digest 27/2/2015


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

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

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

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





Thursday, 18 December 2014

Engagers' Digest 18/12/14

In this edition:

University of Bristol engagement
1. Successful bid: Green Capital, Student Capital: Unleashing the power of Bristol Students

Funding and awards
2. ESRC, Research Facilitator for Local Government: deadline 13 January
3. Wellcome Trust, Investigator awards in society and ethics: deadline 23 January
4. Take 1… minute for chemistry in health video competition: deadline 30 January
5. Nominations for Michael Faraday Prize: deadline 30 January
6. British Pharmacological Society Outreach Grants: deadline 16 February

Events and training
7. 2015 Science Communication Conference: proposal deadline 9 January
8a.Participatory Action Research (PAR) Workshop 1: Getting started on your PAR project
8b.Participatory Action Research (PAR) Workshop 2: Engaging with the PAR process
9. Present your research at the British Science Festival 2015: application deadline 23 March

News and opportunities
10. Opportunity to take part in the 2015 Bridgwater Science Festival
11. HM Treasury and BIS publication: Our plan for growth




Friday, 26 April 2013

Engagers' Digest 26/4/13

In this edition:

University of Bristol engagement
1. Thinking Futures Festival: deadline 3 June

Funding
2. British Ecological Society Outreach Grants - deadline 17 September

Events
3. Patient and Public Involvement Conference: abstract deadline 1 May
4. Transforming Postgraduate Research: Engaging with the Digital World: 17 June
5. Two Science Communication Bursaries for UWE science communication programmes

Other news
6. Public Engagement Ambassadors
7. Royal Society of Chemistry video competition: take 1…minute for chemistry in health

Thursday, 28 February 2013

Engagers' Digest 28/2/13

In this edition:

University of Bristol engagement
  1. Future Brunels student volunteering: 2 students needed for 6 March
  2. Seeds of Change student volunteering: 3 places left
  3. TEDMED paid work experience opportunity
  4. TEDMED volunteering opportunity
  5. Public engagement events at University of Bristol: Twilight Talks
  6. What experiences do you think children should have before they are 18?
Events
  1. 2013 Science Communication Conference: early bird registration 14 March
  2. British Interactive Group - BIG Event: early bird registration 31 March

Monday, 26 November 2012

Engagers' Digest 26/11/12

In this edition:

Funding
  1. Neuroscience Street Fair opportunity: deadline 30 November 2012
  2. Wellcome Trust Small Arts Awards: deadline 25 January 2013
  3. Wellcome Trust People Awards: deadline 25 January 2013
  4. The Physiological Society public engagement grants: deadline 28 February 2013
  5. Royal Society Partnership Grants scheme: deadline 29 March 2013
Events
  1. After Hours at At-Bristol: 4 December 2012
  2. Science Communication Conference 2013 call for proposals: deadline 3 January 2013
  3. Ignite Bristol at Bristol City Museum: 17 January 2013
Other news
  1. Opportunity to be a governor: Little Mead Primary School, Southmead
  2. Ambition Lawrence Weston - call for board members/trustees
  3. Arts and humanities: do you want to tell the world about your work?

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

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

Monday, 21 February 2011

Engagers' Digest - 21 February 2011

Dear all,

Sorry for the hiatus with the Digest - I should be back on track now and want to welcome a group of new subscribers - PhD students from the EPSRC doctoral training centres - welcome!

In this edition of the Digest:

1. University Public Engagement awards [award; all fields; all stages]
2. Impact Awards, organised by Praxis Unico [award; all fields; all stages]
3. Vice Chancellor's Impact Award [award; all fields; all stages]

4. Changing Perspectives: connecting art and science [opportunity; all fields; all stages]
5. Internship with 'The Naked Scientists' [opportunity; science; Masters/PhD students]
6. Einstein's Garden at the Green Man Festival [opportunity; science/art; all stages]

7. Science Communication Conference [conference; science; all stages]
8. Cuts in Culture: The Impact on Creativity [conference; arts and humanities; senior academics]


1. University Engagement Awards - deadline 1 March 2011

Sponsored by the Society of Merchant Venturers, the engagement awards are your chance to be recognised for your public engagement activity. Two awards will be made this year, each of £500 - one to an individual or group showing outstanding achievement in engagement, and one to an individual or group who is a newcomer to the area and has conducted an exceptional engagement project. For further information and guidance please see the Engagement Awards page on the CPE site.

2. Impact Awards organised by Praxis Unico - deadline 6 April 2011
These awards recognise and celebrate the success of collaborative working and the process of transferring knowledge and expertise beyond higher education, charities and public sector research establishments for the wider benefit of society and the economy. More information from the Impact Award site.

3. Vice Chancellor's Impact Award - deadline 25 April 2011

The Vice-Chancellor’s Impact Award is part of the New Enterprise Competition 2011. Two awards will be made this year, a winner’s prize of £1500 and a runner-up prize of £500 to individuals or groups showing outstanding innovation in creating economic and/or social impact from their research. The Vice-Chancellor's Impact Award is sponsored by IP Group. More information from the Impact Award site.

4. Changing Perspectives - from 18 March 2011
Changing Perspectives is a series of free public exhibitions, talks, workshops and performances that explores the fascinating relationships between art and science. We need your help to staff an interactive exhibition for schools and families on 18/19 March, and to solicit public perspectives on the body for a collaborative artwork. Please complete this short survey to tell us how you'd like to be involved - http://www.survey.bris.ac.uk/cpe/chngpersp_vols

For listings of all events and activities, see the Changing Perspectives website or download the Changing Perspectives flier (PDF; 1.1 MB)

5. Internship with The Naked Scientists
An 8-10 week summer internship with The Naked Scientists radio show. More details on this blog post.

6. Einstein's Garden at the Green Man Festival - deadline 27 May for 18-21 August festival
The Green Man Festival are looking for people or organisations that would like to bring a stall to Einstein’s Garden with the aim of engaging festival audiences with science. Stalls could explore fundamental scientific ideas or phenomena, the process of science or current scientific research. More information on the Centre for Public Engagement blog.

7. British Science Association Science Communication Conference - 25/26 May
This year's theme is ‘online engagement’ which will explore innovative uses of online media to engage the public with science. This will include discussions about podcasting, gaming, virtual worlds and citizen science, as well as an interactive social media workshop. Find out more from the Science Communication Conference site.

8. Cuts in Culture: The Impact on Creativity - 11 May 2011
A ring-fence has been promised for teaching in science, technology, engineering and mathematics but where will this leave the arts, humanities and social sciences? Hosted by Research Fortnight, this one-day conference will examine the repercussions of funding cuts to the arts and humanities sector, consider the immediate fallout and the impact on the future of the industry. More information.


Also happening in the University:

Climate of Change - University of Bristol Speaker Series 2011
Tuesday 22nd February, 6pm in the Queens Building -- Dr Tim Chatterton, UWE

www.bustbristol.org.uk or email bust@bristolhub.org

And finally - does anyone have any light boxes they might be able to lend for a 10-day exhibition in October? The exhibition will accompany this conference - http://www.heavenlydiscourses.org/ Please let me know.

Best wishes,

Philippa

Internship with The Naked Scientists

Opportunity to join the Naked Scientists:

Could you strip down science to it's bare essentials?

Looking to kick-start a career in science media? The Naked Scientists have an opening for an intern to join their award-winning team this summer.

The successful applicant, who will also receive a cash award of £1000, will spend a period of 8 – 10 weeks gaining experience in making science radio programmes and podcasts, web development, science writing, video editing and production.

"The Naked Scientists" broadcasts on BBC radio stations across the UK, and worldwide as a podcast, which is consistently near the top of the iTunes Science podcast charts in the UK, US, Canada and Australia. Their unique approach to science communication features a range of presenters who interview renowned scientists and researchers from all over the world and take science questions on any subject live from the listening public.

This internship, which is supported by the Medical Research Council (MRC), is open to UK-based students (including Masters and PhD students and recent graduates) who hold or are registered for a science or engineering-based University degree.

Whether you’re interested in live radio; writing news or features; producing online video or developing online content, let us know what you think you could bring to the Naked Scientists, and what you would hope to get from the internship. Please include both email and telephone contact details.

Those wishing to apply should send a CV, cover letter and any additional supporting documents to Ben Valsler, The Naked Scientists, Dept. of Pathology, University of Cambridge, CB2 1QP.

The deadline for applications is April 1st 2011, selected applicants will be invited to interview in early May.

For further information please email Ben@thenakedscientists.com

Wednesday, 24 November 2010

Engagers Digest - 24/11/10

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to another edition of the digest, with a range of interesting opportunities in the arts and sciences, and an important update on the REF...


In this issue...

  1. REF Impact pilot report [policy update]
  2. M-Shed Higher Education event - 1 December 2010 [networking event]
  3. AHRC/Radio 3 New Generation Thinkers - deadline 10 December 2010 [media opportunity]
  4. Public engagement workshop using Ketso - 10 December (Manchester) and 24 January (London) [workshop]
  5. Science Communication Conference - 25/26 May 2011 [conference]

Back to contents

1. REF Impact pilot report [policy update]
In 2009/10 Hefce ran a pilot exercise of the proposed 'Impact' sections of the REF. The University of Bristol was one of 27 institutions that made submissions. The submissions have now been analysed by expert panels, and a press release and full report are available from the Hefce site, with recommendations for how research impact, including impact through public engagement, should be assessed in the REF.

Read Maggie's thoughts on how the report relates to public engagement on the CPE REF webpage (PDF, 94 KB) , or leave your comments on this blog post.

Please note that the Centre for Public Engagement is very happy to offer support to researchers in thinking about and describing the impact of their work, particularly in the areas of societal impact and skills. Please contact Philippa or Maggie to discuss.


Back to contents

2. M-Shed Higher Education event - 1 December 2010, 2pm–4pm [networking event]
Join us to discuss what a partnership with Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives may offer you and your students. Find out more about M Shed, Bristol’s new museum opening in 2011; enjoy an exclusive preview with a guided tour of the building; discover the range of opportunities we offer Higher Education; meet our museum learning team and some of our expert curators; network with professional colleagues from across the region. Light refreshments will be available.

M Shed, Princes Wharf, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 4RN
RSVP by Monday 29 November to Jane Hack, Learning Officer
Tel: 0117 9223619 or E-mail: jane.hack@bristol.gov.uk

Back to contents

3. AHRC/Radio 3 New Generation Thinkers - deadline 10 December 2010 [media opportunity]
The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and BBC Radio 3 have joined forces to find the next generation of public intellectuals. We have launched New Generation Thinkers - a pilot talent scheme for emerging academics with a passion for communicating the excitement of modern scholarship to a wider audience and who have an interest in broader cultural debate.

Up to 60 applicants will have the opportunity to develop programme ideas. More information is available from the AHRC site. In the first instance please contact Dara O'Hare or Hannah Johnson in the University Press Team.

Back to contents

4. Public engagement workshop using Ketso - 10 December (Manchester) and 24 January (London) [workshop]
The developer of Ketso, a hands-on kit for effective group work (Joanne Tippett, University of Manchester) is offering two free workshops, one held at the University of Manchester on 10 December 2010 and one at King's College, London on 24 January 2011. The dialogue will be focussed around 'delivering public engagement, outreach, skills development and enterprise promotion in Universities in a time of budget cuts'.

Please check the Ketso website for further details and for videos of Ketso in Higher Education: http://www.ketso.com/news-events/upcoming-events

Back to contents


5. Science Communication Conference - 25/26 May 2011
[conference]
The British Science Association is working in partnership with the Wellcome Trust to organise this annual event at Kings Place, London. The Conference addresses the key issues facing science communicators in the UK, and each year brings together people who are involved in public engagement - a diverse group of people from a broad range of backgrounds. It is a fantastic opportunity to network, share ideas and good practice. In 2011 there will be a theme of 'online engagement'; submit any proposals for sessions by 26 November via the British Science Association site

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

Best wishes,

Philippa

Wednesday, 27 January 2010

Engagers' Digest 27/1/10

Hello Engagers,

A bumper issue of the digest this time - hope you find something of interest:

Judge needed for Welsh engagement activities - deadline this week
The Beacon for Wales are looking for an academic to chair the judging panel at their regional judging events in the last week of February and first week of March. Applicants have submitted a basic concept for an engagement activity and will be invited to present their idea in person and discuss with Techniquest, BBC and National Museum Wales how these might be developed.
Contact Bruce Etherington for more information.

Introduction to the Media Course - Tuesday 2 March, 2-5pm
A free, essential introduction to sharing your work with the media, run by University press officers from the Public Relations Office
http://staffdev.ilrt.bris.ac.uk/staffdevelopment/courses/directory/courselist.pl?sect=rs#SD1DIA

Universities Association for Lifelong Learning 2010 Annual Conference: 14-16 March - http://www.uall.ac.uk/
From widening participation to employer engagement: lifelong learning in higher education.
University of Oxford

I'm a scientist, get me out of here! - March 15-26 and June 14-25
Anaward-winning event, funded by the Wellcome Trust, that gets real scientists talking to students, online. Over two weeks scientists can talk to hundreds of school students, without leaving the lab. More information...

Engaging Citizens: Research, Media and the Public
16 March, 10:00am - 6:00pm Milton Keynes
The NCCPE has partnered the Open University and the BBC to run an event aimed at stimulating discussion about the role of broadcast in engaging publics with research. Open to people who have developed projects that have brought together media, publics and research for mutual benefit. More information from the NCCPE site...

AHRC support for student-led initiatives - deadline 25 March 2010
This second round of the Beyond Text Student-Led Initiative scheme will provide up to 10 awards of up to £2000 towards the costs of setting up a student-led training project, activity or event.

Bang Goes the Theory on BBC1
This popular science series is coming back in March, and they would love more researcher involvement. Respond to viewer's questions and get your answers on the telly!
http://beaconsqanda.com/2010

And last but certainly not least, researchers from the School of Biological Sciences have won £19k from the Natural Environment Research Council to involve school students in a national survey of leafminer insects and their 'natural pest controllers'. See their 'Web of Life' site for information about their fantastic previous public engagement activities...

Best wishes,

Philippa

Wednesday, 26 August 2009

Science Communication Conference

We've just seen the reports and presentations from the British Science Association's Science Communication Conference, which are now available online.

The University of Bristol was very well represented, with presentations from our very own Gillian Squirrell, Kathy Sykes and Dudley Shallcross, as well as Paul Manners and Sophie Duncan from the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement and Savita Custead at the Bristol Natural History Consortium. All in all, an impressive Bristol turnout.

Friday, 21 August 2009

Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition

The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition is a major London-based event that illustrates the cutting-edge of UK science and technology. It is an opportunity for the public, directly and through the national media, to find out more about the UK's science and meet the minds behind it. There were 26 exhibits accepted from all over the UK, including two submissions from the University of Bristol. Visitors to the exhibition included members of the Royal Family, business and academic pioneers, MPs and Civil Servants, schools groups and the general public.

Tuesday, 30 June 2009

Alison Rivett presents ChemLabS

The ChemLabS programme does a massive amount of public engagement in schools, with staff and students getting involved in assemblies, putting on workshops to demonstrate experiments to primary school children etc. The children get to wear the full 'scientist' kit -- gloves, goggles, lab coats -- which they love as they get to feel like real scientists, doing experiments that they would never ordinarily get the chance to do.

Through targeting primary schools, this engagement work lets the children learn what science is all about and what it's like to be a scientist, hopefully inspiring the scientists of tomorrow. It also gives postgraduate students a chance to talk about their research with young school pupils and develop skills communicating their work to different audiences.

ChemLabS has started to charge schools of this to sustain the programme, but the staff also provide information to schools regarding accessing funding. This is a controversial issue, but what do you think about it? How else can this successful programme be sustained?

Further references