STFC launches Interact 2017 Evaluation Report in partnership with UoB

University of Birmingham, together with STFC, Institute of Physics and SEPnet are proud to launch the evaluation report from Interact 2017. Interact 2017 was a symposium whose aim was to cultivate a community of engagement practitioners within the physical sciences who develop high quality STEM engagement and encourage a culture of strategic and reflective practice.

The symposium was a success with over 120 physical scientists from across the UK attending and sharing best practice. The symposium is also measuring its impact on these scientists through a yearlong evaluation process, the baseline of which can be found in the report.

In addition to this, the report showcases the rich landscape for Outreach and Public Engagement that currently exists in the physical sciences across the UK and sets good measures for its continued development.

The symposium also featured plenary speakers Prof Alice Roberts (University of Birmingham), and SEPnet’s Prof Jim Al Khalili (University of Surrey) talking about their careers as engaged researchers and science communicators.

30 parallel sessions were on offer at Interact 2017 and most of these were delivered by physicists. This shows how the Interact partnership is promoting best practice across physics departments in the UK.

If you missed the day and would like to get a feel for it, check out his video from the Institute of Physics which features SEPnet’s Director of Outreach and Public Engagement, Dr Dominic Galliano.

For more information, feel free to contact the UoB Interact team members: Dr Caroline Gillett & Professor Cristina Lazzeroni by dropping us an email: engage@contacts.bham.ac.uk

 

 

STFC Spark Awards 2017 (Deadline Oct 26th, 2017)

STFC Spark Awards 2017-B call is now open  for applications until 4.00pm on Thursday 26th October.

The Spark Awards scheme aims to support high quality programmes of public engagement that inspire and involve audiences with stories of STFC science and technology. Grants of up to £15k are available.

Proposed engagement programmes must clearly focus around the remit of the STFC science programme (astronomy, solar and planetary science, particle physics, particle astrophysics, cosmology, nuclear physics and accelerator science) or clearly and demonstrably align to the science and technology work of STFC’s national and international laboratories and facilities.

Applicants should make clear how their application relates to the aims of the STFC Public Engagement Strategy

Applicants may choose which audiences to engage with and the methods of engagement. However, applications that propose engagement with audiences considered to have a low ‘science capital’ are encouraged. In addition, applications that highlight the social, ethical, and economic benefits of research are welcomed.

Before submitting your application you are encouraged to contact the STFC Public Engagement Team  to discuss your ideas.

FURTHER INFO HERE