Raising Public Awareness of Science & Innovation
Who (or what) encouraged you to study science or engineering? Was it a single individual (perhaps a teacher) or a group? Were you inspired as a result of hearing about a new discovery or innovation through the media? Would you like to help inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers?
Raising public awareness and engagement in science and innovation involves schools, scientific researchers, and the general public. The UK Research Councils place particular emphasis on this kind of activity and in 2005 created the Science in Society Unit to act as a hub for information and advice.
The Graduate School encourages all research students to engage in activities which help raise public awareness of science. The course on Science Communication offered as part of the Generic & Transferable Skills Programme is an excellent starting point.
Activities in Aberdeen
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TechFest-SetPoint - A charitable organisation which aims to inspire young people about Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
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Satrosphere Science Centre - Scotland’s first science and discovery centre, based in Aberdeen. Satrosphere's exhibits offer interactive ways for visitors to discover more about the world around them and the science of how things work.
UK Research Councils
The Research Councils have developed a number of activities and resources to help anyone from the research community who wants to involve the public in the work that they do:
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Beacons for Public Engagement - Major initiative to help support public engagement and share knowledge across the community, from arts and humanities to particle physics.
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Funding - Details of what public engagement grant schemes are available and how to apply.
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Training - Details about the training options available on how to engage with the public.
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Linking with Schools - Details of schemes which create links between schools and researchers.
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Guides and Advice - Best practice guides to help you set up and evaluate your projects.
Take a look at the local opportuniites on offer by visiting the Public Engagement with Science Unit
Check out the training opportunities on offer in science communication as part of the Generic and Transferable Skills Programme.
Fancy writing about science or your research? Why not join the Science Journalism Society, the brains behind the student-led Au Mag.