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 – Top tips from the Science Museum for doing public engagement.
- 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 – Join the BIG Chat Google Group via their website.
- 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 including the Royal Society.
- 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
- I’m a Scientist is a free an online, student-led, science engagement activity where school students connect with working scientists.
- Science Showoff is an open mic stand-up comedy night for scientist to engage with the public in a humorous environment.
- Volunteer at a museum. Options include opportunities at the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, We The Curious and Glasgow Science Centre.
- Volunteer at a science festival. There are lots of annual science festivals who are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help them run events. There is a full list of UK Science Festivals and the main festivals include British Science Festival, Cheltenham Science Festival, Edinburgh International Science Festival and Manchester Science Festival.