Public engagement useful links

The links below provide a host of useful information and resources for getting involved in public engagement and science communication activities.

Practical guides and background information

  • BIG STEM Communicators Network – A skills sharing network for individuals involved in the communication of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.
  • British Science Association – The UK organisation that provides opportunities for people of all ages to learn about, discuss and challenge the sciences and their implications.
  • National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement – They aim to help universities and their researchers engage with the public.  Their website contains lots of useful information, toolkits and guides.
  • UK Research and Innovation – Information on their public engagement strategy and funding opportunities.
  • Sharing Expertise – Toolkit from the Science Museum on how to run events.
  • YouTube Course on Science Communication - a series of 10 free videos, written & presented by BBC Science Presenter & YouTuber Greg Foot, that take you through how to talk with the public about anything from the world of science, technology, engineering and maths. It's got a focus on helping practising scientists communicate their work with non-experts, but will also be useful to anyone interested in talking about science with the public.

How to find out what’s going on

  • BIG chat – Discussion list for the BIG STEM Communicators Network.
  • PSCI-COM – A free science communication email discussion list.

Training opportunities

  • British Science Association Media Fellowships allows researchers to spend time working in a national media outlet.
  • Many funding bodies now run their own in house public engagement training schemes for researchers they fund.  These include the Royal Society and the BBSRC.  
  • Royal Society Pairing Scheme pairs a researcher with a Parliamentarian or Civil Servant to get an insight into how Government operates.
  • Become a STEM Ambassador with STEM Learning. They provide training and volunteering opportunities to encourage young people to enjoy science.
  • Voice of Young Science with Sense about Science is a network of early career researchers committed to playing an active role in public discussions about science. They run a 'Standing Up for Science' media workshop.

Opportunities to get involved