Dialogue with the public:
Practical guidelines
A Research Councils UK Study
August 2002
Appendix 1
Useful contacts/information
We have assembled this list of organisations which might be able to provide
assistance to you as an event organiser. This assistance might be in the form of access
to resources, access to expertise and experience (both scientific and communication),
perhaps a joint activity and, in some instances, funding.
The focus here has been on charitable and public sector bodies. However the private
sector is also a potential source of support for event organisers. While some
companies are prepared to offer financial support for activities, it is often worth
thinking beyond simply funding. Many science-based businesses will be able to
provide speakers, venues and resources more readily than cash, and access to high
quality support may be of greater value to your activity than a small amount of
money. Some learned societies and professional institutions are included, but if you
are a member of such an organisation that is not listed here, you may well find that it
is able to provide you with some assistance.
Science centres as individual organisations are not listed here, but we do refer to the
Science Discovery Clubs Network in the entry for the British Association for the
Advancement of Science.
This list of organisations is by no means exhaustive. For example the Office of
Science and Technology publishes “Science Connections: A guide to leading
organisations promoting science, engineering and technology”, which is available
from the OST website www.dti.gov.uk/ost. In addition one of the organisations
described below, SETNET holds a database detailing activities and resources
designed specifically for schools on its website www.setnet.org.uk. There is also the
Psci-Com website devoted to science communication, which can be accessed at
www.psci-com.org.uk.
African Caribbean Network for Science and Technology
Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)
Association of British Science Writers (ABSW)
Association for Science Education (ASE)
British Association for the Advancement of Science (BA)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Chemical Industries Association (CIA)
COPUS
Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils (CCLRC)
Department for Education and Skills
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Engineering and Maritime Training Authority
Engineering and Technology Board (ETB)
The Institute of Biology
The Institute of Physics (IoP)
The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE)
The Learning Skills Council
Local Authority Research Council Initiative
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Neighbourhood Renewal Unit
The Nuffield Foundation
Office of Science and Technology (OST)
Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC)
Promoting SET for Women
The Regional Development Agencies
The Royal Academy of Engineering
The Royal Institution (RI)
The Royal Society (RS)
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
The Royal Society of Edinburgh
The Scottish Science Trust
Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics Network (SETNET)
The Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine Public Relations Association
(STEMPRA)
The Social Exclusion Unit (Cabinet Office)
The Society for General Microbiology
UK Online
The Wellcome Trust
The descriptions of the organisations below are drawn from the organisation’s own
websites or “directory” websites, but for up to date information that is specific to your
needs, we strongly recommend that you make personal contact with the organisations
to see whether or not they can help you.
African Caribbean Network for Science and Technology
The African-Caribbean Network for Science and Technology is a national educational
charity, established in 1995, by Black professionals in SET, with the singular
objective to advance the educational achievements, and career aspirations of Black
youth within SET, and other related fields. The Network seeks to achieve this by
engendering the ethos that the pursuit of such qualifications and careers can be fun,
empowering and achievable.
The Network also works to advance the participation of girls and women in SET
through its A-C WISE (African-Caribbean Women in Science & Engineering)
initiative.
Tel: 0161 877 1480
Fax: 0161 877 1481
Email: AfricanNetwork@compuserve.com
Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)
The ABPI is the trade association for about a hundred companies in the UK producing
prescription medicines. Its member companies research, develop, manufacture and
supply more than 90 per cent of the medicines prescribed through the National Health
Service (NHS).
The ABPI Produces a wide range of publications to inform those involved directly or
indirectly with the UK-based pharmaceutical industry and the general public about a
wide variety of matters. The material ranges from short, sometimes single-sheet
briefings to lengthy, fully illustrated publications. All the publications listed can be
ordered from ABPI, using the order form on the web site. These include a number of
publications for schools.
You can order publications from:
Publications Department
ABPI
12 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2DY.
Tel: 020 7930 3477 x 1446.
Fax: 020 7747 1411
Or through the website www.abpi.org.uk
Association of British Science Writers (ABSW)
The ABSW exists to help those who write about science and technology, and to
improve the standard of science journalism in the UK. The association's members
include print and broadcast journalists, authors, scriptwriters and producers, and
others active in the field of communicating science and technology.
Through briefings with prominent scientists and policymakers, facility visits, debates
and social events, the ABSW helps to create links between science writers and their
subjects and markets. The ABSW publishes a regular newsletter, The Science
Reporter, and co-sponsors the annual Glaxo SmithKline Science Writers' Awards for
outstanding science journalism. The ABSW has introduced student membership to
help those seeking to enter the profession. It also manages the Wellcome bursaries for
students on full-time 'science media' courses.
c/o BAAS
23 Savile Row
London
W1X 2NB
Tel: 020 7 439 1205
Fax: 020 7 973 3051
www.absw.org.uk
Association for Science Education (ASE)
ASE is for teachers, advisers, technicians, industrialists and others contributing to
science education. It has a membership of over 24,000. It promotes, supports and
develops science education from primary through to tertiary levels. ASE offers
support, advice and information to individual teachers, schools and local colleges. It
also offers support, advice and information to those involved in industry and
commerce.
College Lane,
Hatfield,
Herts.
AL10 9AA
Main Switchboard 01707 283000
www.ase.org.uk
British Association for the Advancement of Science (BA)
The BA is a nationwide organisation with an open membership, dedicated to the
communication and appreciation of science. It embraces all areas of science, forging
links between them and working with them to communicate, discuss and promote all
aspects of science and its influence on our lives. The BA has been dedicated to
achieving this since its foundation in 1831.
The BA coordinates National Science Week, providing a national context for each
event. The BA encourages individuals and organisations to take part, helps to source
funding for National Science Week events, and offers resources and advice for
organising and publicising events. National Science Week aims to celebrate science
and its importance to our lives, giving people from everywhere in the UK the chance
to participate in science activities and experiments and to engage in science
discussions in their local area.
The BA Festival of Science is one of the UK's biggest science festivals. It attracts 400
of the best scientists and science communicators from home and abroad who reveal
the latest developments in research to a general audience.
The BA aims to make science exciting, accessible and relevant to young people. We
provide support for teachers and science club leaders, resources, awards schemes and
events for all ages.
The BAYS First Investigators and Young Investigators awards schemes, BA Science
Fair and CREST Awards provide encouragement through practical science work.
Visions for the Future and Science Communicators demand that young people think
about science and learn to express their views. BAYSDAYs provide a memorable
hands-on day out. All activities are linked to the National Curriculum.
In addition, the BA is supporting the Science Discovery Clubs Network, a national
network offering support for science clubs and allowing the clubs to participate in
regional events, exchange ideas and join in mass-participation experiments.
The BA is the co-ordinating partner in AlphaGalileo Europe, which is the free onestop-shop for European researchers to promote and explain the excitement and
significance of their work to the media. Almost 3,000 journalists and more than 500
scientific organisations use the service.
the BA
23 Savile Row
London W1S 2EZ
United Kingdom
Email: help@the-ba.net
Tel: +44 (0)20 7973 3500
Fax: +44 (0)20 7973 3051
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is the leading
funding agency for academic research and training in the biosciences at universities
and institutes throughout the UK. BBSRC is committed to making information about
advances in the biosciences as widely available to people as possible, by
disseminating the results of the research that we fund. It also encourages public debate
about potential applications and implications of the research by:
Organising interactive displays at public events and science festivals
Producing publications about research and connected issues in the biosciences
Putting on public seminars, talks and conferences
Providing opportunities for the public to meet and talk with practising
scientists
o Consulting the public about the scope of its funding initiatives
o Providing funding for scientists to develop Science Week and other resources
o Working with schools
o
o
o
o
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Polaris House
North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1UH
UK
+44 (0)1793 413200
www.bbsrc.ac.uk
Chemical Industries Association (CIA)
Speak Out! and Listen is a free talks service, established by the Chemical Industries
Association to keep people informed and aware, to hear their views and help them
make wise and balanced decisions - about what people buy, eat and put on their skin,
and what they read in the papers. Audiences can ask for a talk on any chemical-related
topic or choose one of 10 pre-prepared topics. The CIA also seeks volunteers from the
chemical industry to take part in speak out and listen
For further information about the talks, please contact: Jo Townsend
Tel: 020 7963 6792
Fax: 020 7233 6202
Email: TownsendJ@cia.org.uk
Kings Buildings
Smith Square
London SW1P 3JJ
COPUS
Copus is the national umbrella body for organisations and individuals involved in
communicating science, and is committed to supporting ways of increasing public
engagement with the issues and processes of science. It aims to provide a strategic
focus for science communication, by promoting it as a key skill for scientists, and
supporting it as a profession in its own right. It will work in areas where collective
approaches are more effective than individual ones, and help to identify and minimise
gaps and overlaps.
Copus grant schemes provide funding and support for activities and projects that
improve two-way communication between scientific communities and public
audiences.
Copus working parties provide networking opportunities to strengthen the strategic
framework behind individual projects.
Copus workshops provide a clearing-house and point of reference for strategic issues
and policy about communicating science.
Copus publications outline useful information and practical advice on best practice for
organising science communication activities.
Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils
(CCLRC)
The Central Laboratory of the Research Councils (CLRC), formed by Royal Charter
on 1 April 1995, is owned and operated by the Council for the Central Laboratory of
the Research Councils (CCLRC). CCLRC is an independent, non-departmental public
body of the Office of Science and Technology, part of the Department of Trade and
Industry. CLRC comprises three world-class UK institutions:
Chilbolton Facility, Hampshire
Daresbury Laboratory (DL), Cheshire
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), Oxfordshire
Research activities are supported by CLRC by the provision of leading-edge, large
scale facilities and an extensive pool of scientific and technological expertise, skills
and innovation. The three facilities offer many unique research tools to help scientists
working at the leading edge of scientific discovery and understanding.
CLRC wants to help inspire, inform, excite and enthuse the next generation of
scientists. Both RAL and DL have a Schools Liaison Officer who co-ordinate a wideranging programme of educational visits and activities, ranging from exploring the
world of particle physics and molecular biology to seeing how space equipment is
tested prior to being used on missions to Mars.
www.cclrc.ac.uk
Department for Education and Skills
The DfES’s objectives are:
* Give children an excellent start in education so that they have a better foundation for
future learning.
* Enable all young people to develop and equip themselves with the skills, knowledge
and personal qualities needed for life and work.
* Encourage and enable adults to learn, improve their skills and enrich their lives.
At the time of preparing this list (2002), the DfES is running a Year of Science. See
their website for a variety of activities and information.
Website: www.dfes.gov.uk
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
The EPSRC has two key public awareness aims:
o to encourage public awareness of the nature of the research process;
o to emphasise the benefits to society of the trained people, knowledge and
expertise which result from the research it supports.
The EPSRC works in partnership with other organisations active in promoting public
awareness of science, engineering and technology (SET) where appropriate.
Developments of the EPSRC's public awareness programme in the year 2000 included
the decision to boost funding by 50%, to £2 million a year, and significantly increase
collaborative activity with other institutions and industry. The EPSRC Partnerships
for Public Awareness (PPA) awards, launched in 1998, have become established with
over £1.7 million being committed to 68 projects in the first three years. The awards
enable researchers to communicate the challenge and excitement of their work to a
wider public, and to develop partnerships which introduce professional expertise in
communications and often additional funding.
The well-established schools initiative, the Pupil Researcher Initiative (PRI) is a
major part of EPSRC’s schools activity. A new series of school science resources has
been developed by the PRI co-ordinators, Sheffield Hallam University, to meet the
needs of the new science curriculum for Key Stage 4 in 2001. These have been
designed and marketed to schools in collaboration with Collins, a leading educational
publisher, and the Nuffield Foundation.
The Engineering and Marine Training Authority (EMTA)
The Engineering and Marine Training Authority (EMTA) is the National Training
Organisation (NTO) for engineering manufacture.
EMTA has an Engineering Careers Information Service (ECIS). Because EMTA is
the NTO (National Training Organisation) to the engineering industry, this service
focuses solely on careers advice in this area. ECIS can provide you with immediate
access to all of EMTA’s resources.
ECIS is a dedicated service bringing together EMTAs comprehensive resources and
will give you the best advice and information on all aspects of careers in engineering.
For further information you can visit the careers website www.enginuity.org.uk which
has been specially developed to provide young people with the information they need
in order to find out about becoming an engineer. You can also contact the EMTA
Careers Information Service on freephone 0800 282167 or email ecis@emta.org.uk
Engineering and Technology Board (ETB)
The ETB came into being on 1st January 2002 and is set to become the acknowledged
champion of the wider engineering and technology community. Its mission is to
support, serve and add value to the wider engineering and technology community in
the UK, promoting ethical use of engineering and technology to enhance UK
competitiveness and quality of life. The ETB supports a variety of initiatives and
campaigns, which aim to promote engineering and technology. These include:
o Young Engineers for Britain
o Neighbourhood Engineers
o Women into Science and Engineering (WISE)
The Engineering and Technology Board
10 Maltravers Street
London
WC2R 3ER
info@etechb.co.uk
The Institute of Biology
The Institute of Biology is the professional body for UK biologists. It was founded in
1950, obtained a Royal Charter in 1979, and is a registered charity. Its 16500
members work in industry, research, education and healthcare, amongst other areas.
The Institute of Biology has a tradition of supporting science educators. Central to the
support provided is the Schools and Colleges Affiliation Scheme. Members receive
subscriptions to the Journal of Biological Education and Biologist and are also
entitled to discounts on Institute publications. The Institute also runs the British
Biology Olympiad.
A key feature of the Institute’s website is the extensive information available relating
to careers in Biology.
More information is available from:
Institute of Biology
20 Queensberry Place
London
SW7 2DZ
UK
Tel: +44(020) 7581 8333
Fax: +44(020) 7823 9409
www.iob.org
The Institute of Physics
The Institute of Physics is an international learned society and professional body for
the advancement and dissemination of physics, pure and applied, and promotion of
physics education. One of its principal activities is to support, progress and present
physics research, education and understanding to other scientists, decision-makers and
the public.
The Institute of Physics offers small grants to help fund physics-based events. Any
type of physics-based activity is eligible, for example lecture demonstrations,
interactive science days and science theatre performances. Grants awarded will
normally be no more than £500. It also offers fellowships, which are for researchers
in physics or a related discipline who have some experience in communicating
physics to a non-specialist audience and would benefit from funding and appropriate
training to enhance their existing outreach work. Fellows are funded up to £1000 to
give major talks or the equivalent and to develop materials to support their activity.
Public Relations Department
Institute of Physics
76 Portland Place
London, W1B 1NT.
Tel. 020 7470 4800,
E-mail. shuk_kwan.liu@iop.org,
The Institution of Electrical Engineers
Founded in 1871, IEE is the largest professional engineering society in Europe and
has a worldwide membership of just under 140,000.
Through its work with schools the IEE aims to encourage and increase the
understanding and awareness of the electrical engineering profession. It publishes a
number of resources directly related to the science and technology curriculum at both
primary and secondary levels. The IEE also provides a range of career and courses
literature for the 14-18 age group. See www.iee.org/EduCareers/Schools
Savoy Place
London
WC2R 0BL
UK
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7240 1871
Fax: +44 (0)20 7240 7735
General e-mail enquiries should be addressed to postmaster@iee.org.
The Learning Skills Council
The Learning Skills Council is responsible for funding and planning education and
training for over 16-year olds in England. The office is currently situated in two
locations in Coventry:
Cheylesmore House
Quinton Road
Coventry CV1 2WT
Tel 0845 019 4170; Fax 024 76 49 3600
101 Lockhurst Lane
Coventry CV6 5SF
Tel 024 7670 3241; Fax 024 7670 3334
Email info@lsc.gov.uk, website : www.lsc.gov.uk
Regional contacts can be found on their website.
Local Authority Research Council Initiative
LARCI aims to bring local authorities and the research councils into closer
partnership. Three local authority organisations and five research councils participate
in LARCI. They are:
o
Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA)
o
Local Government Association (LGA)
o
Technical Advisers Group (TAG)
o
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
o
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
o
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
o
Medical Research Council (MRC)
o
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Additionally, links are maintained with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
(COSLA).
Medical Research Council (MRC)
The UK Medical Research Council (MRC) is a national organisation funded by the
UK taxpayer. Its function is to promote research into all areas of medical and related
science with the aims of improving the health and quality of life of the UK public and
contributing to the wealth of the nation. MRC seeks to share its work with the public
in order to increase awareness of the way in which medical research affects each of
us, and to promote dialogue and debate on major issues.
The MRC publishes a range of information intended to explain different aspects of
biomedical research to audiences including the general public, students, opinion
formers and other scientists. General Publications examining biomedical research in a
broader social and ethical context are available from the website
www.mrc.ac.uk/index/publications.htm include:
Demystifying Genomics explaining the background, science and rationale behind
research that has enabled scientists to determine the entire genetic makeup of
organisms from bacteria to humans.
Mice and Medicine explaining why and how research involving animals continues to
contribute to medical progress.
Diving into the Gene Pool explains the latest advances in genetic medicine and the
benefits and social implications of genetic testing.
Genes in the Mind is a leaflet about research into genetic influences on mental health
and the social implicattions of new findings in this area.
The MRC works in partnership with other organisations to help teachers and students
capture the excitement of science. By promoting links between scientists and schools
and contributing to the development of educational resources, MRC is helping to
build the foundation for lifelong engagement in science. Activities and resources
include:
o
o
o
o
Researchers in Residence
Nuffield Science Bursaries
MRC Research Updates
Ideas and Evidence Packs
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
The UK Natural Environment Research Council funds and carries out impartial
scientific research in the sciences of the environment. NERC trains the next
generation of independent environmental scientists.
NERC is involved in a wide range of activities aimed at communicating information
about environmental issues and the role of science in addressing them. The Swindon
Office and the many research centres all participate in some way in these activities. If
you are a NERC funded scientist then there may be assistance available in the form of
communication training also available are the Communicating your ideas guidance
notes for staff and fundholders.
NERC's Schools Programme includes a network of Schools Liaison Officers based at
its research sites throughout the country. They work closely with local teachers to
develop a wide range of activities aimed at encouraging young people to take an
active interest in environmental sciences. Events include school visits, student
placements and open days. NERC scientists and other staff visit schools and colleges
to give presentations and workshops. For more information about the schools
programme or on how NERC may be able to help you as an education provider,
contact details are e-mail: requests@nerc.ac.uk, tel 01793 411623, or visit
www.nerc.ac.uk/science&society/school-lo.shtml to find your nearest Schools Liaison
Officer.
Several NERC research sites host students in the Nuffield Science Bursary Scheme,
which offers Advanced GNVQ and A-level students the chance to do a scientific
project.
NERC is a partner in Researchers in Residence (Biosciences and Environment)
This successful scheme offers placements to PhD students to work with schools in
order to support science education and career development. It is sponsored by NERC,
the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Medical Research
Council and the Wellcome Trust.
The CREST Environment Research Challenge invites young people to tackle
environmental issues through practical projects focused on sustainable development.
Topics include biodiversity, pollution and waste, global change, energy, natural
resources and environmental risks and hazards. Sponsored by NERC and the British
Association, this programme is part of the CREST Awards Scheme, run by the British
Association. For more information, contact Ms Lindsey Robertson, tel: 020 7973
3309, e-mail: crest@britassoc.org.uk.
Neighbourhood Renewal Unit
A New Commitment to Neighbourhood Renewal: A National Strategy Action
Plan was launched in January 2001. The Strategy sets out the Government's vision for
narrowing the gap between deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of the country, so
that;
o within 10 to 20 years, no-one should be seriously disadvantaged by where they
live.
The aim is to deliver economic prosperity, safe communities, high quality education,
decent housing, and better health to the poorest parts of the country. At national level,
the Action Plan will be implemented by the new Neighbourhood Renewal Unit
(NRU), which will be responsible for driving progress across Government.
The Community Empowerment Fund of £36m over 3 years will support community
and voluntary sector involvement on Local Strategic Partnerships in the 88 areas
eligible for the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF). Funding can be used to pay for
activities such as outreach, surveys and training, and to support the local
infrastructures which will allow people to get together to express their views and
develop solutions.
Neighbourhood Renewal Community Chests (£50m over 3 years) will provide
small grants to formal and informal community groups to support community activity
and mutual self-help in the 88 NRF areas. They might be used, for example, to hire a
room for a group's first meeting, to buy some basic IT equipment, or to pay the costs
of producing a community newsletter. These grants will help local communities in
deprived areas to take the first steps towards more formal involvement on their own
terms.
The Nuffield Foundation
The Nuffield Foundation is an independent charity with an income of £8 million a
year. The funds are used mainly to support self-contained projects, which advance
education or social welfare, often by means of research or practical innovation.
Two kinds of grants are awarded. Project Grants are larger grants, in the range £5000
to over £100000, which support research, developmental or experimental projects that
meet a practical or policy need. Smaller grants are administered under a number of
Award Schemes some of which support academic research.
The Foundation also runs the Curriculum Projects Centre. The main work of the
centre is to develop, manage and support curriculum projects. Increasingly projects
are run in partnership with others.
Project teams offer a high level of user support by working closely with teachers,
lecturers, advisers and trainers. Projects have their own networks to keep in close
touch with pioneering centres, to disseminate the ideas of the project, and train
teachers in new approaches. Staff at the Centre support projects after publication by:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
organising training,
assisting user groups,
passing ideas between users,
running student conferences,
offering advice by telephone,
publishing newsletters,
distributing supplementary materials, and
Contact address
28 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3JS
www.nuffieldfoundation.org
Office of Science and Technology (OST)
Within Government, responsibility for the Public Understanding of Science,
Engineering and Technology (PUSET) programme lies with the Office of Science and
Technology (OST). The objectives of the PUSET Team are to:
o demonstrate the relevance of SET to people's daily lives and its importance to
the economy;
o generate interest in SET amongst young people in order to develop and
encourage lifelong interest in these subjects and the consideration of science
based careers;
o create as many opportunities as possible for people to learn about recent
scientific developments and debate their value;
o ensure that there is dialogue between the scientific community and the public,
particularly on issues which raise profound ethical and social issues; and,
o raise the general level of technical literacy so that the public are in a better
position to play a more informed role in this dialogue. Equally important is to
enhance the scientific community's understanding of the public's interest in
and legitimate concerns about SET.
The PUSET programme aims to meet these objectives in a number of ways,
including:
o administering a grants scheme;
o provision of publications such as best practice guides and resource directories;
o encouraging activities that engage a wider audience such as consensus
conferences and the Public Consultation on the Biosciences;
Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC)
The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) funds UK research,
education and training in its four broad areas of science - particle physics, astronomy,
solar system science and particle astrophysics. PPARC aims to build on the
“inspiration” of astronomy, space and particle physics to inform and inspire audiences
about these subjects and about British work in them.
The PPARC Programme has the following key features:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Encouraging and equipping the research community to communicate their work:
Access to funds (PUS Awards Scheme – Small and National Awards;
encouragement to spend 1% of research grants on PUS work)
Access to training (funds and help to go on media training courses)
Access to PUS publications (for use by scientists)
Central facilitating role by the Swindon Office
Jointly fund (with the EPSRC) the Pupil Researcher Initiative, for 14-16 year
olds
Many publications on our science, suitable for science teachers and pupils 7-18
Loan scheme of moonrocks and meteorites
Small and National Awards Schemes, which have supported school &
curriculum projects
Provision of Schools’Liaison Officers, both for Astronomy & Space; and
Particle Physics
Educational resources catalogues for Astronomy/Space and for Particle Physics;
and schools’guides to visiting CERN and La Palma
Schools’packs linking projects such as Gemini Telescopes, Cassini/Huygens
Mission, and BaBar antimatter project to curriculum (usually for ages 12-18)
For more details contact:
Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1SZ
Tel +44(0)1793 442000 Fax +44(0)1793 442002
Or visit www.pparc.ac.uk/Rs/Fs/Pu/mainpage.asp
Promoting SET for Women
Women make a vital contribution to UK competitiveness at all levels of industry and
are an increasingly important asset. The UK government is committed to raising the
profile of women in SET careers and to ensuring that no barriers exist that prevent
them from reaching the highest levels. The Promoting SET for Women Unit in the
Department of Trade and Industry leads Government activity in this area.
Resources available for schools include the ‘Go For It’posters featuring women who
work in technical jobs who talk about themselves, their lives and their careers. The
‘Get With It’report, which was produced as a result of the research findings of the Go
For It poster campaign, consolidates the research findings, the process and the
evaluation. The report contains a list of good practice guidelines to help other
material producers effectively target their materials at girls.
Working in collaboration with EMTA (the national training organisation for
engineering manufacture) and the WISE (Women in Science and Engineering)
campaign the DTI produces SPARK. Targeted at 11-14 year old girls the purpose of
SPARK is to gain the attention and interest of girls and provide information and facts
on science and engineering and related work.
As well as producing material targeted at schoolgirls to raise their awareness of the
value of careers in SET, the Promoting SET for Women Unit understands the
important role of teachers in creating a positive image of scientists, engineers and
technologists. The teachers' page on the website provides a range of materials and
useful links to assist them. www.set4women.gov.uk/set4women/schools/teacher.htm
Also available on the website are lists of useful contacts and statistics relating to
women in science, engineering and technology.
Promoting SET for Women
Office of Science & Technology
Department of Trade & Industry
Bay 2142
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0ET
www.set4women.gov.uk
Regional Development Agencies
The Regional Development Agencies are new business-led bodies for each of the
eight regions of England and for London. They are the lead bodies at the regional
level for co-ordinating inward investment, raising people's skills, improving the
competitiveness of business, and social and physical regeneration. The following
table gives contact details and hyperlinks to Regional Development Agencies.
Advantage West Midlands
2 Priestly Wharf, Holt Street, Aston Science Park,
Birmingham, B7 4BZ
Tel: 0121 380 3500
Fax: 0121 380 3501
Website: www.advantage-westmidlands.co.uk
East Midlands Development Agency
Apex Court, City Link, Nottingham, NG2 4LA
Tel: 0115 988 8300
Website: www.emda.org.uk
East of England Development Agency
Compass House, Chivers Way, Histon, Cambridge
CB4 9ZR
Tel: 01223 713900
Fax: 01223 713940
Website: www.eeda.org.uk
The London Development Agency
Devon House, 58-60 St Katharine's Way, London
E1W 1JX
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7680 2000 (Switchboard)
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7680 2014/2040
Website: www.lda.gov.uk
North West Development Agency
PO Box 37, Kings Court, Scotland Road,
Warrington WA1 2FR
Tel: 01925 400100
Fax: 01925 400400
Website: www.nwda.co.uk
One North East
Great North House, Sandyford Road, Newcastle
Upon Tyne NE1 8ND
Tel: 0191 261 2000
Fax: 0191 201 2021
Website: www.onenortheast.co.uk
South East England Development Agency
SEEDA Headquarters, Cross Lanes, Guildford
GU1 1YA
Tel: 01483 484226
Fax: 01483 484247
Website: www.seeda.co.uk
South West of England Regional
Development Agency
Sterling House, Dix's Field, Exeter EX1 1QA
Tel: 01392 214747
Fax: 01392 214848
Website: www.southwestrda.org.uk/
Yorkshire Forward
Victoria House, Leeds LS11 5AE
Tel: 0113 243 9222
Fax: 0113 243 1088
Website: www.yorkshire-forward.com
The Royal Academy of Engineering
The Royal Academy of Engineering brings together over 1200 distinguished
engineers who come from all engineering disciplines. Our aim is to promote
excellence in engineering for the benefit of the people of the United Kingdom.
The Academy runs a central initiative in engineering education. Best, which stands for
‘Better Engineering Students Today – Building Enterprise Success Tomorrow’, aims
to:
o Recruit, train and retain the brightest and most motivated young people into
and within the engineering profession to fulfil the needs of the economy and
society.
o Create mutually beneficial partnerships between industry and education, where
the needs of companies and the aspirations of individuals are satisfied.
o Provide comprehensive, value-adding education and training opportunities that
can be accessed throughout an individual’s engineering career.
The Academy is committed to total quality throughout the Best programme. It offers
employers the opportunity to identify and recruit the most talented young people
wishing to enter, or who are already part of, the engineering profession, and to import
their skills and expertise. Consequently the Best programme enjoys the participation
of a broad cross-section of industry across its component schemes.
More detailed information on some of the individual activities within the Best
programme are available from the links below.
The Engineering Education Scheme
Headstart
Year in Industry
Contact for enquiries:
Peter Revell
The Royal Academy of Engineering
29 Great Peter Street
Westminster
London SW1P 3LW
revellp@raeng.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7222 2688
Facsimile: 020 7233 0054
For further information on all schemes within the Best programme, please visit
www.raengbest.org.uk
The Royal Institution
Today and for the past 200 years the Royal Institution has striven and excelled in two
important fields:
? ? Cutting Edge Scientific Research
? ? Public Understanding of Science
Throughout the year at the Royal Institution, lectures, seminars, meetings and other
events take place. The flagship lecture series, the "Christmas Lectures" has been
running since 1826. Details are available at www.rigb.org/events/index.html
An important part of the work of the Royal Institution is to promote science and the
understanding of science to young people. To further this aim, lectures and events are
held throughout the year specifically targeted at the new generation of budding
scientists. For further information about science events for schools, visit
http://195.157.98.114/insideout/home.jsp
The Royal Institution of Great Britain,
21 Albemarle Street,
LONDON W1S 4BS,
United Kingdom
Telephone : (+44) 0 20 7409 2992 (reception)
Fax : (+44) 0 20 7629 3569
The Royal Society
The Royal Society’s new Science in Society programme aims to take forward the
Science in Society ‘approach’, defined as the need for openness, transparency,
dialogue and accountability as well as responsiveness to the concerns and values of
the public. More specifically the aims are:
o To help restore confidence in science
o To find and develop new, interesting, widespread and effective ways of
communicating with the public
o To make sure that the voice of the public is heard when discussing and
shaping science policy.
The Programme comprises:
Public dialogue meetings
A National Forum for Science
A pairing scheme for top scientists and Parliamentarians
An online dialogue facility
More details are available at
www.royalsoc.ac.uk/templates/scienceinsociety/index.cfm
The Royal Society of Chemistry
The Royal Society of Chemistry is the Learned Society for the chemical sciences and
the Professional Body for chemical scientists in the UK with over 46,000 members
worldwide. The RSC is a major publisher and provider of chemical information,
supports the teaching of the chemical sciences at all levels, organises hundreds of
chemical meetings a year and is an active player in communicating science to the
public.
The RSC has a strong commitment to promoting chemistry, the profession of
chemistry and the Royal Society of Chemistry itself. The RSC organises and supports
a broad range of activities to enhance the public's awareness and promote a positive
image of the chemical sciences. The Public Affairs Small Grants Scheme is in place to
support activities promoting the public awareness of chemical sciences.
Among the main activities are events scheduled during Science Weeks, Chemistry
Week every two years, Press Offices at major meetings, and promotional literature
such as the booklet Chemistry in our Community.
Press activities are not only directed towards the promotion of chemistry as a science,
but also towards the promotion of RSC activities, such as the annual Awards
ceremony, Top of the Bench and the International Chemistry Olympiad. Activities are
both proactive, as above, but also reactive, with staff responding to media enquiries
on a daily basis.
For further information please contact:
Claire McLoughlin,
Royal Society of Chemistry, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA,
Tel +44 (0) 20 7440 3315, fax +44 (0) 20 7437 8883, Email McLoughlinC@rsc.org
The Royal Society of Edinburgh
Startup Science Masterclasses (supported by Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland) Saturday morning science and technology masterclasses for S1 and S2 pupils which
emphasise the role of science, engineering and technology in society. These
imaginative events offer accessible talks by experts, and also enable students to
investigate selected topics in greater detail, through hands-on, fun activities. Four
consecutive, weekly masterclasses are held at various locations throughout Scotland.
Christmas Lectures Suitable for secondary school students, these illuminating,
insightful and entertaining talks are held in schools from the Borders to the Northern
Isles. A lecture, complementary to the schools' talk, is also staged for the wider
community.
Schools' Lectures Lively entertaining talks to enthuse secondary school pupils about
science, engineering, technology and maths. Held in schools throughout Scotland,
these stimulating lectures support classroom work, and regularly offer insights into
the practical applications of theories studied. The range of interesting topics available
is frequently updated.
Discussion Fora - S5 and S6 students debate topical issues of importance to Scotland.
The report of their findings goes to the Scottish Parliament and other key decision-
making bodies in Scotland. Building on previous discussion titles, a range of topical
issues will be open to debate.
Maths Masterclasses appropriate for primary school pupils, these popular classes, run
by Professor Jack Carr of Heriot-Watt University, prove that maths can be fun and
creative. They are designed to develop children's intuition, problem solving and
analytical skills. The masterclasses are held on four consecutive Saturday mornings,
four times a year.
The Royal Society of Edinburgh,
22-26 George Street,
Edinburgh, EH2 2PQ
Tel 0131 240 5000
Fax 0131 240 5024
The Scottish Science Trust
The Scottish Science Trust is a charitable Company limited by guarantee and not
having a share capital. The Trust acts as an over-arching body for public
understanding of science, engineering technology and medicine in Scotland. It
facilitates the development of existing science centres and the creation of new ones to
form a coherent network throughout Scotland for the 21st century.
Through the network, the Trust aims to:
o Help visitors and those living and working in Scotland to understand the
opportunities and rewards of, as well as the dilemmas created by science,
engineering, technology and medicine
o Promote informal education and learning in all areas of science, engineering,
technology and medicine
o Help the public, business and educational and research organisations in their
aspirations to assist in the development of the Scottish economy through the
continued growth of Scottish research and its commercial application
Scottish Science Trust
12 Queen Street Edinburgh EH2 1JE
Scotland T: 0131 226 3481 F: 0131 226 3482
www.sst.org.uk
E: trust@sst.org.uk
Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics Network
(SETNET)
SETNET is the Science Engineering Technology Mathematics Network and has 58
member organisations representing Government, industry, the engineering
professional institutions, education and education charities. SETNET aims to ensure
that there is a flow of well-motivated, high quality people from schools who have an
interest in, and an understanding of, science and engineering related subjects.
SETNET has established SETPOINTS in the UK, which operate as a focus for
teachers, business and industry to obtain information about resources,
schemes and initiatives concerned with science, engineering, technology
and mathematics teaching.
SETPOINTS:
o Provide a 'one-stop shop' for information about science, engineering,
technology and mathematics resources
o Encourage co-operation in the scheduling and organisation of joint projects
and events for schools-related activities
o Encourage greater publicity for success stories from teachers and students
o Create and promote a focus for distribution and collection of information for
teachers, industry and business
o Organise seminars and meetings to disseminate good practice
A freephone number is available: 0800 14 64 15
You can e-mail SETNET at: setnetwork@aol.com
STEMPRA
STEMPRA is an informal group, set up in 1993 to bring together people working in
communication in scientific societies, research institutes and other non- commercial
organisations in science, technology, engineering and medicine.
STEMPRA offers the opportunity for PR practitioners and Honorary Officers to get
together to share information and expertise - a sort of 'clearing house', discussion
forum and networking club rolled into one. Membership is on an individual basis and
is currently about 100 strong from all sectors nation-wide. Membership is open to
anyone working in the UK, in or on behalf of a scientific, learned society or
professional organisation in the areas of public relations, media relations, or
communication.
STEMPRA provides a newsletter and e-mail discussion list for members as well as
regular meetings on relevant topics. There is also an on-line guide for science
communicators “Practical Advice for Science Communicators” available at
www.stempra.org.uk/advice.html.
The Social Exclusion Unit (Cabinet Office)
The Social Exclusion Unit (SEU) was set up by the Prime Minister in December
1997. Its remit is to help improve Government action to reduce social exclusion by
producing ‘joined up solutions to joined up problems.’It works mainly on specific
projects, chosen by the Prime Minister following consultation with other Ministers
and suggestions from interested groups.
The Unit is staffed by a mixture of civil servants from a number of Government
departments and external secondees from organisations with experience of tackling
social exclusion. The Unit’s remit covers England only.
The Social Exclusion Unit
Cabinet Office
35 Great Smith Street
LONDON SW1P 3BQ
For general enquiries: 020 7276 2055
The Society for General Microbiology
The Society for General Microbiology has been established for over 50 years,
promoting and supporting the art, science and significance of microbiology and
associated subjects worldwide.
The Education Development Fund - makes small grants to members for developments
likely to lead to an improvement in the teaching of any aspect of microbiology
relevant to secondary or tertiary education in the UK. Grants are also available to fund
relevant science promotion activities.
The SGM External Relations Office maintains a set of educational and careers
resources which are freely available to Society members and the general public.
For Teachers SGM has launched Microbiology Online a new website with resources
and information for microbiology teaching and learning at KS2, KS3, KS4 and post16 level. The Society also holds a speakers database and provides career information.
UK Online
www.ukonline.gov.uk
As well as containing news and information about Government policy, the “Citizen
Space” provides access to Government consultations and hosts discussion groups. Of
particular importance to communicators are the directories held on this site.
> A to Z of central government
Links to over 1,000 government websites.
> Government publications
Direct link to the Stationery Office. Has a complete record of all Command Papers
and a selection of House Papers and Government Department Papers.
> A to Z of local government
Links to every local council in the UK, from Aberdeen to York.
> Local services
Find out about local services.
> Political parties
Find out about political parties with members in the UK Parliament, the Northern
Ireland Assembly, Scottish Executive, National Assembly for Wales and the
European Parliament.
> Find your representative
Find your MP, local councillor, MEP or London Assembly member.
The Wellcome Trust
The Wellcome Trust is an independent research-funding charity, established under the
will of Sir Henry Wellcome in 1936. It is funded from a private endowment, which is
managed with long-term stability and growth in mind.
Its mission is 'to foster and promote research with the aim of improving human and
animal health'. To this end, it supports 'blue skies' research and applied clinical
research.
Biomedical research promises to deliver substantial benefits, but also poses
unprecedented questions for society: how should the information be used, what ethical
guidelines should apply and how can the wider public be engaged in debating and
shaping policy.
As a major funder of biomedical research, the Wellcome Trust is concerned about
such questions and hopes to address some of the issues through the Medicine in
Society Programme. The Programme aims to:
o support policy makers by sponsoring research into the ethical and social
implications of biomedicine;
o facilitate public debate, not only by providing opportunities for various groups
to discuss key biomedical issues, but also by gauging public opinion and
ensuring that these views are fed into policy development.
Its work, including both research and in-house activities, encompasses two major
areas:
o Consultation and education
o Biomedical ethics
The Trust runs a number of competitions to support science communication, these
include:
Artist-in-residence programme
sciart
Science on Stage and Screen
Wellcome Trust Book Prize
Wellcome Trust-New Scientist Essay Competition
The Wellcome Trust runs many innovative activities for teachers and students, and
offers a number of teaching resources, these include:
Science Centrestage
The Wellcome Trust's National Festival of Drama for secondary schools encourages
students to communicate science through devising and performing drama.
Regional science centres
Educational activities at the network of science centres funded by the Trust.
Activities
Details of the Researchers in Residence scheme bringing science into schools.
Teachers' resources
Teaching packs, newsletters and other resources for schools and colleges.
Events
Events aimed at teachers and their students, including details of the Citizenship
Education and Science conference and Wellcome Trust plays.
Teaching controversial issues in the classroom
Results of a survey conducted by the Institute of Education.
Consultation and Education
The Wellcome Trust
210 Euston Road
London NW1 2BE
www.wellcome.ac.uk/en/1/mis.html