Dr Victoria Mason tells us more about the latest training session for PG students held within SPS.
Before Christmas I had the pleasure of running an Introduction to Public Engagement training session for postgraduate students. We had 28 attendees and there were some absolutely fantastic ideas for projects developed with several projects likely to take place in one form or another, one student even managed to put in a bid for funding from the Royal Society of Chemistry Outreach fund. The training showed that you, our amazing postgraduate students, are eager to engage and very creative.
I have many ideas of how to improve the training for next time, which will be in November this year. If you missed it this year, you will be expected to take part this year.
Being able to engage people with what you do is a key part of the role of a researcher and many other professions and as such this training is a compulsory part of your broader PhD skills development.
If you want to have a first go at communicating your research why not try one of these opportunities (I am happy to chat with anyone interested if you need any help)
- A stand at the Green Man music festival August 20th-23rd – they are searching for the weird, the wacky, and the wonderful so please don’t let common sense or normality limit the ideas in your application! Stalls/installation applications are here; scroll down to ‘Create’. Applications for Performances, Speakers, Walkabout, Bands, Workshops and anything else is here.
- FameLab is the only international science communication competition, designed to find, train and mentor scientists and engineers to share their enthusiasm for research with the public. FameLab was started in 2005 in the UK by Cheltenham Science Festival. Since the partnership with the British Council in 2007 over 10000 scientists and engineers from 31 countries have participated, with country winners coming together for the International FameLab Final at Cheltenham Science Festival each June. Participants receive training in science communication before presenting their research in an engaging way to a live audience. There are training and heats across the UK, as well as a video entry option. Presentations must not exceed 3 minutes, must not involve PowerPoint slides, and any props used must be carried on by the participant themselves. Participants are judged on Content, Clarity and Charisma, and the best go through to the next round… FameLab UK winners receive a weekend masterclass with a professional science communicator, an all-expenses paid trip to Cheltenham Science Festival, the opportunity to take part in the FameLab UK Final and possibly the FameLab International Final at Cheltenham Science Festival, and up to £2000 prize money.
- PINT OF SCIENCE May 11th-13th – The Pint of Science festival runs in local pubs in various locations in Kent. You need to present your science in a fun and engaging way at this festival. Deadline for applications January 30th. Email pintofscience@kent.ac.uk
- Call for exhibits and activities at NERC Public Engagement Showcase 2020. NERC is offering an opportunity for researchers to run public engagement activities as part of our annual showcase 2020. The showcase will take place at Techniquest Science Centre in Cardiff in July 2020.