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
Monday, 21 February 2011
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
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
Einstein's Garden at the Green Man Festival
Opportunity for interesting science engagement activities:
Call for Proposals
Science Stalls for Einstein’s Garden at the Green Man Festival
The Green Man Festival is held in the stunning surroundings of the Brecon Beacons in Wales and is attended by approximately 18,000 people. The festival has earned a reputation as one of the great boutique festivals in the UK and in 2010 won ‘Best Medium Festival’ at the UK Festival Awards. The 2011 festival dates are 19/20/21 August and headliners will include Fleet Foxes.
For more information see www.greenman.net
Einstein’s Garden is a creative fusion of science, art and nature. The name ‘Einstein’ is associated with originality, creativity and quirkiness and it is these qualities that Einstein’s Garden embodies. The area’s venues are packed with a vibrant programme of performances, workshops and installations that use art, entertainment and participation to engage people with the diverse aspects of science and nature in fun, quirky and unexpected ways.
We 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. It is essential that stalls include as much interactivity and participation as possible for festival goers and that they embody the creative and quirky spirit of Einstein’s Garden. Einstein’s Garden is a family friendly area of the festival so stalls should be suitable for children and adults. Please note that the Einstein’s Garden programme already includes roving science busking so we are looking for something different from the science stalls.
Stall holders must provide their own small marquee. The stall must be open from 12 midday until 8pm on 18th August and from 10am until 8pm on 19th, 20th and 21st August. There will be no power available for stalls and no generators are allowed in Einstein’s Garden so if your stall does need power you must provide your own renewable energy. All stall holders must have comprehensive public liability insurance.
If you would like to apply to run a science stall in Einstein’s Garden please send a proposal (max 1 side A4) detailing the content of your stall, how you plan to engage festival goers, the dimensions of your stall, the number of people you need to run it (this should be a maximum of six people) and any health and safety considerations.
Send your proposals to ellen@greennman.net by 27th May.
The Green Man Festival will provide tickets for successful applicants but we are unable to cover any expenses.
Ellen Dowell
Manager and Curator of Einstein's Garden
The Green Man Festival
The Green Man Festival - winner of Best Medium Festival, UK Festival Awards 2010
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
RCUK Concordat
A clear summary of the RCUK Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research, written by Chloe Sheppard (RCUK)
The new Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research aims to create a greater focus on and help embed public engagement with research across all disciplines in the higher education and research sectors. Signed by Research Councils UK, the UK Funding Councils, Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering and British Academy , the concordat provides a single statement of expectations and responsibilities of research funders in the UK.
Supporters of the Concordat include Universities UK, The 1994 Group, The Russell Group, Wellcome Trust, Association of Medical Research Charities, Institute of Physics, Royal Society of Chemistry, Society of Biology and Academy of Social Sciences.
As research funders, we recognise the benefits of public engagement for research and researchers, as well as society more broadly. We launched the Concordat to build on and strengthen the existing good quality public engagement activity by providing a mandate for universities and research institutes to better value, recognise and support public engagement.
The Concordat consists of a set of principles for the future support of public engagement within research organisations (including universities and research institutes) and, under each principle, an explanation of how it may best be embedded into institutional practices, building on the experiences of universities and research organisations across the UK (such as the Beacons for Public Engagement).
The importance of implementation is recognised by its inclusion within the Principles themselves.
The four principles are:
1) UK research organisations have a strategic commitment to public engagement.
2) Researchers are recognised and valued for their involvement with public engagement activities.
3) Researchers are enabled to participate in public engagement activities through appropriate training, support and opportunities.
4) The signatories and supporters will undertake regular reviews of their and the wider research sector's progress in fostering public engagement across the UK.
Our implementation plan includes working with the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement and other partners to engage researchers, research managers, support staff and senior managers over the coming year via conferences, workshops and meetings to champion public engagement in the HE sector in the UK and support those within universities and research institutions to achieve the principles of the Concordat.
We have also developed a series of briefings for researchers, research managers, and supporters of researchers and senior Managers. These are on our web page (hosted at http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/per/Pages/Concordat.aspx).
A Concordat steering group (with appropriate representation of the funders and sector bodies) is taking strategic oversight of the implementation and will review progress.
However, we do not wish to provide additional burden to universities and research institutes through additional reporting.
The Concordat therefore states (under Principle 4) that research organisations should themselves monitor and evaluate the efficacy of the public engagement they support in addressing their strategic aims and the extent to which they are meeting the expectations outlined in this Concordat. This Concordat provides a common framework for regular reviews of progress across the sector by the Funders, through existing reporting structures.
We also expect research organisations to work together to develop and share good practice in public engagement and in the implementation of the Concordat.
Finally, Alongside the Concordat, the National Coordinating Centre has produced a Manifesto for Public Engagement. By signing up to the manifesto, institutions can declare their strategic commitment to public engagement, and access additional support and guidance from the NCCPE. For further information please visit www.publicengagement.ac.uk
The NCCPE's website also hosts a wealth of additional resources to support managers and research staff to develop their public engagement activities and institutional strategies.
More on the Concordat including a full list of signatories and supporters can be found at http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/per/Pages/Concordat.aspx
Chloe Sheppard
Senior Policy Manager
Public Engagement with Research
RCUK Strategy Unit
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Engagers digest - 12 January 2011
Dear colleagues,
Happy New Year and best wishes for 2011.
I thought it might be useful to start the year with a Digest worth saving - a more comprehensive update of opportunities and resources for public engagement. Please circulate widely, and check our website or contact Philippa for any further information.
January sees the launch of the 2011 Engagement Awards - your chance to be recognised for your outstanding contributions to public engagement. Please circulate news of these widely in your Schools and Departments. There are two levels of award, each worth £500, and the deadline is 1 March 2011; for further information and guidance please see centreforpublicengagement.blogspot.com/2011/01/university-of-bristol-engagement-awards.html
Don't forget that we can help with thinking about, articulating and achieving research impact through public engagement, as can now form part of Research Council applications and as will form part of the REF. Contact Philippa well in advance of your grant deadline to discuss further.
In this edition of the Digest:
1. New resources from the NCCPE [Resources; all fields; all levels]
2. Changing Perspectives [Opportunity; all fields; all levels]
3. Researchers in Residence [Opportunity; all fields; RCUK/Wellcome PGR and Postdocs]
4. STEM Ambassadors [Opportunity; STEM; all levels]
5. British Science Association Media Fellowships [Opportunity; STEM and Social Science, PGR]
6. Jubilee People's Millions [Funding; all fields]
7. Big Lottery Fund OPAL grant scheme [Funding; natural history]
8. European Commission Life Plus grant scheme [Funding; environment]
9. Steel Charitable Trust [Funding; all fields]
We receive a weekly Funding Insight newsletter, and can search at any time for funding opportunities.
10. Engagers Meeting Friday 4 February, 12-2pm [Meeting; all fields; Engagers reps]
Details:
1. New resources and from the NCCPE
The National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement have re-launched their excellent website, which is packed full of useful resources and thought-provoking pieces. They have guides to getting started in and how to do public engagement, as well as evidence for the benefits of engagement to research and teaching.
December also saw the launch of the NCCPE's Manifesto for Public Engagement, signed and supported by a range of HEIs, and an aligned Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research from the Research Councils and Hefce.
To stay abreast of news from the NCCPE, and to share expertise with colleagues across the country, join the NCCPE's Public Engagement Network.
2. Changing Perspectives: connecting art and science
This spring sees the launch of our major public engagement project for 2011 - Changing Perspectives. During March and April we'll be exploring the connections between art and science, drawing on work generated within the University and in collaboration with artists. Through a public series of events - exhibitions, talks and workshops, family and schools activities, and performances - we'll see how art can draw different disciplines together, open up discussions about contemporary issues and spark new insights for all.
See here for: Changing Perspectives site (new website coming soon)
Getting involved in Changing Perspectives
3. STEM Ambassadors
Inspire young people to learn about and consider careers in science, technology, engineering and maths by supporting STEM teaching in primary and secondary schools. You need to commit to visiting at least one school visit per year; CRB check and training included. For mathematicians, engineers, scientists, or lab technicians working in academia, industry or other STEM related careers.
Contact: Claire Dimond at Graphic Science - claire@graphicscience.co.uk
Web: www.graphicscience.co.uk/stem/default.htm
4. Researchers in Residence
For Research Council and Wellcome Trust-funded PhD and postdoctoral researchers in all fields. Develop a relationship with a secondary school by teaching classes and giving talks to pupils. CRB check and training included.
Contact: Rhian Power - rhian.power@aeat.co.uk
Web: www.researchersinresidence.ac.uk/cms/
5. British Science Association Media Fellowships
These Fellowships are intended to create a greater awareness and understanding of the workings of the media among practising scientists, social scientists, clinicians and engineers. Media Fellows spend 3 to 8 weeks working with a national press, broadcast or internet journalist learning to work within the conditions and constraints of the media to produce accurate and well informed pieces about developments in science and then attend the British Science Festival.
Web: http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/scienceinsociety/MediaFellowships/index.htm
6. The Jubilee People’s Millions - deadline 4 February 2011
The Big Lottery Fund will be helping to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 by offering grants of between £20,000 and £60,000 to support new projects that will improve local places and the lives of people in your community. The Jubilee People’s Millions will be open to applications from voluntary or community organisations, schools, local authorities or health bodies. Applicants will need to inspire local people to get involved with their project and capture the public’s imagination to persuade them to vote for the project.
More information: www.peoplesmillions.org.uk/apply
7. OPAL Grant Scheme - deadline 7 February 2011
The OPAL Grant Scheme is a Big Lottery Fund project that aims to encourage people to spend more time outdoor enjoying and studying their local environment. It is open to all national and local natural history societies, recording schemes and similar groups that are active within England, including regional branches of national organisations. The theme for this round of grants is 'Sharing your skills'. They are seeking to support projects that transfer knowledge and skills either between members of the group or between the group and the wider community. Grants of between £500 and £5,000 are available to support projects.
More information: www.opalexplorenature.org/Societyfunding
8. European Commission Life Plus - deadline July 2011
The next call for proposals under the Life + Programme will be launched in Mid-February 2011 with a deadline for submission in July. The Life + programme is the EU’s main fund for supporting environmental projects, under the headings of:
• Nature and biodiversity
• Environment policy and governance
• Information and communication.
More information: ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus.htm
9. Steel Charitable Trust - rolling deadline
Grants of between £1,000 and £25,000 are made to registered charities in the UK within the areas of: arts and culture, environment, health, education, disadvantaged. Grants are made at regular intervals during the year and the total level of grants is approximately £1,000,000, 30% of these grants will be made to organisations in the Luton and Bedfordshire area.
More information: www.steelcharitabletrust.org.uk/grant_policy.htm
10. Engagers Meeting
Just to let you know: the next Engagers meeting is on Friday 4 Febuary, 12-2pm in the Senate Room, Senate House. Engagers Reps have been invited but if you're not sure whether anyone is coming from your Department, or if you'd like to suggest items for the agenda, please get in touch. Notes from the meeting will be circulated shortly afterwards.
Best wishes for a happy and productive year in 2011,
Philippa
Happy New Year and best wishes for 2011.
I thought it might be useful to start the year with a Digest worth saving - a more comprehensive update of opportunities and resources for public engagement. Please circulate widely, and check our website or contact Philippa for any further information.
January sees the launch of the 2011 Engagement Awards - your chance to be recognised for your outstanding contributions to public engagement. Please circulate news of these widely in your Schools and Departments. There are two levels of award, each worth £500, and the deadline is 1 March 2011; for further information and guidance please see centreforpublicengagement.blogspot.com/2011/01/university-of-bristol-engagement-awards.html
Don't forget that we can help with thinking about, articulating and achieving research impact through public engagement, as can now form part of Research Council applications and as will form part of the REF. Contact Philippa well in advance of your grant deadline to discuss further.
In this edition of the Digest:
1. New resources from the NCCPE [Resources; all fields; all levels]
2. Changing Perspectives [Opportunity; all fields; all levels]
3. Researchers in Residence [Opportunity; all fields; RCUK/Wellcome PGR and Postdocs]
4. STEM Ambassadors [Opportunity; STEM; all levels]
5. British Science Association Media Fellowships [Opportunity; STEM and Social Science, PGR]
6. Jubilee People's Millions [Funding; all fields]
7. Big Lottery Fund OPAL grant scheme [Funding; natural history]
8. European Commission Life Plus grant scheme [Funding; environment]
9. Steel Charitable Trust [Funding; all fields]
We receive a weekly Funding Insight newsletter, and can search at any time for funding opportunities.
10. Engagers Meeting Friday 4 February, 12-2pm [Meeting; all fields; Engagers reps]
Details:
1. New resources and from the NCCPE
The National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement have re-launched their excellent website, which is packed full of useful resources and thought-provoking pieces. They have guides to getting started in and how to do public engagement, as well as evidence for the benefits of engagement to research and teaching.
December also saw the launch of the NCCPE's Manifesto for Public Engagement, signed and supported by a range of HEIs, and an aligned Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research from the Research Councils and Hefce.
To stay abreast of news from the NCCPE, and to share expertise with colleagues across the country, join the NCCPE's Public Engagement Network.
2. Changing Perspectives: connecting art and science
This spring sees the launch of our major public engagement project for 2011 - Changing Perspectives. During March and April we'll be exploring the connections between art and science, drawing on work generated within the University and in collaboration with artists. Through a public series of events - exhibitions, talks and workshops, family and schools activities, and performances - we'll see how art can draw different disciplines together, open up discussions about contemporary issues and spark new insights for all.
See here for: Changing Perspectives site (new website coming soon)
Getting involved in Changing Perspectives
3. STEM Ambassadors
Inspire young people to learn about and consider careers in science, technology, engineering and maths by supporting STEM teaching in primary and secondary schools. You need to commit to visiting at least one school visit per year; CRB check and training included. For mathematicians, engineers, scientists, or lab technicians working in academia, industry or other STEM related careers.
Contact: Claire Dimond at Graphic Science - claire@graphicscience.co.uk
Web: www.graphicscience.co.uk/stem/default.htm
4. Researchers in Residence
For Research Council and Wellcome Trust-funded PhD and postdoctoral researchers in all fields. Develop a relationship with a secondary school by teaching classes and giving talks to pupils. CRB check and training included.
Contact: Rhian Power - rhian.power@aeat.co.uk
Web: www.researchersinresidence.ac.uk/cms/
5. British Science Association Media Fellowships
These Fellowships are intended to create a greater awareness and understanding of the workings of the media among practising scientists, social scientists, clinicians and engineers. Media Fellows spend 3 to 8 weeks working with a national press, broadcast or internet journalist learning to work within the conditions and constraints of the media to produce accurate and well informed pieces about developments in science and then attend the British Science Festival.
Web: http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/scienceinsociety/MediaFellowships/index.htm
6. The Jubilee People’s Millions - deadline 4 February 2011
The Big Lottery Fund will be helping to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 by offering grants of between £20,000 and £60,000 to support new projects that will improve local places and the lives of people in your community. The Jubilee People’s Millions will be open to applications from voluntary or community organisations, schools, local authorities or health bodies. Applicants will need to inspire local people to get involved with their project and capture the public’s imagination to persuade them to vote for the project.
More information: www.peoplesmillions.org.uk/apply
7. OPAL Grant Scheme - deadline 7 February 2011
The OPAL Grant Scheme is a Big Lottery Fund project that aims to encourage people to spend more time outdoor enjoying and studying their local environment. It is open to all national and local natural history societies, recording schemes and similar groups that are active within England, including regional branches of national organisations. The theme for this round of grants is 'Sharing your skills'. They are seeking to support projects that transfer knowledge and skills either between members of the group or between the group and the wider community. Grants of between £500 and £5,000 are available to support projects.
More information: www.opalexplorenature.org/Societyfunding
8. European Commission Life Plus - deadline July 2011
The next call for proposals under the Life + Programme will be launched in Mid-February 2011 with a deadline for submission in July. The Life + programme is the EU’s main fund for supporting environmental projects, under the headings of:
• Nature and biodiversity
• Environment policy and governance
• Information and communication.
More information: ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus.htm
9. Steel Charitable Trust - rolling deadline
Grants of between £1,000 and £25,000 are made to registered charities in the UK within the areas of: arts and culture, environment, health, education, disadvantaged. Grants are made at regular intervals during the year and the total level of grants is approximately £1,000,000, 30% of these grants will be made to organisations in the Luton and Bedfordshire area.
More information: www.steelcharitabletrust.org.uk/grant_policy.htm
10. Engagers Meeting
Just to let you know: the next Engagers meeting is on Friday 4 Febuary, 12-2pm in the Senate Room, Senate House. Engagers Reps have been invited but if you're not sure whether anyone is coming from your Department, or if you'd like to suggest items for the agenda, please get in touch. Notes from the meeting will be circulated shortly afterwards.
Best wishes for a happy and productive year in 2011,
Philippa
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