APRIL 2008
Contents
WELCOME: Welcome to our April newsletter
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK: Online benchmarking tool, Darwin200, Science Centre Marketing and PR, Recent parliamentary discussions, Ecsite-uk pre-conference session at the Ecsite AC
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR: Learning Outside the Classroom needs a Centre , Science Communication Conference Bursaries, STFC Science Centre Awards Scheme, Wellcome Trust Engaging Science Awards
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS: UKRC Woman of Outstanding Achievement Award 2008
RESOURCES: Gift Aid, Why study science?, Determined to Succeed
VITAL STATISTICS: Public Attitudes to Science 2008
WELCOME
Welcome to our April newsletter
Throughout March we have been busy preparing a number of reports for publication in April, as part of a larger DIUS and DCSF-funded project. The main report includes the results of the 2007 survey of Ecsite-uk Science & Discovery Centres, recommendations and next steps for future benchmarking of our sector, and maps plotting all the UK centres. It also contains a selection of case studies written by CEOs and Directors from centres across the UK, sharing ideas and practice that contribute to the bottom line. The other two reports focus on ‘The impact of science centres: a review of studies Worldwide’, and overviews of the five pilot consortia projects from the 14 science centres who took part in this initiative.
All reports will be made available as pdfs on our website, and details of when these will be published will follow shortly.
Dr Penny Fidler, Director of Ecsite-uk
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 1
Online benchmarking tool
In addition to the reports, as part of the DIUS – DCSF project, and to ease data collection, we have created an online data collection tool. This takes into account everyone’s comments on the 2007 survey, and will be piloted during April 2008.
The aim of this online data collection system is to enable us to easily collect evidence of the fabulous work happening across the UK network of Science & Discovery Centres and Museums.
Further details about the online benchmarking tool will be circulated in due course.
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 2
Darwin200
On 30 April Dr Penny Fidler will be giving a talk to the Darwin200 Consortium on the events and activities that UK Science & Discovery Centres and Museums will be hosting and taking part in for Darwin200. Please could you e-mail her any images and details of events by 25 April, for inclusion in the presentation.
Dr Penny Fidler, Director of Ecsite-uk: penny.fidler@sciencecentres.org.uk
Further information about Darwin200 can be found at: www.darwin200.org
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 3
Science Centre Marketing and PR
As mentioned in the March 2008 newsletter, several marketing and PR professionals within our member centres have highlighted the desire to share ideas, expertise and to discuss possible collaborations with other science centre-based marketing and PR staff.
We would like to thank the many of you who have expressed an interest in being part of the first UK Science Centre Marketing and PR Forum, and suggested possible topics. We will be making contact shortly with all those who have e-mailed us regarding this event.
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 4
Recent parliamentary discussions
On 27 March Dr Brian Iddon, MP for Bolton South East, raised a question in Parliament to the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, asking if the Bolton Technical Innovation Centre could act as a model for other regions to encourage more young people into science and innovation.
In response, Ian Pearson, Minister of State for Science and Innovation, said that there were many different ways in which young people could be encouraged into science, and that Government currently have 18,000 Science and Engineering Ambassadors going into schools. However, following the recent Select Committee inquiry into the funding of Science & Discovery Centres, the Government is also committed to a thorough review into the funding of Science Centres as a potential mechanism to encourage more children to go into science, and this will be taking place over the coming months.
Ecsite-uk would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Iddon for his continued support of the role the Bolton TIC and other UK Science & Discovery Centres.
The video archive footage can be found at: www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/VideoPlayer...
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 5
Ecsite-uk pre-conference session at the Ecsite AC
For all members attending the 2008 Ecsite Annual Conference in Budapest.
The Chair of Ecsite-uk would like to invite you and your colleagues to an Ecsite-uk pre-conference session on Wednesday 28 May in Budapest from 4.30 - 6pm.
This pre-conference session is for all members of Ecsite-uk who would like to meet other members and to have a stake in the UK's national policy and regional activity. Following a short presentation by the Ecsite-uk Chairman, Dr Nick Winterbotham and the Director, Dr Penny Fidler, focusing on our recent discussions with Government, we will be answering your questions and hearing your ideas on how Ecsite-uk can best support you and your centre.
All are welcome, and there will be time to meet one another and be introduced to new members of Ecsite-uk. The session will be held immediately prior to the Speakers’ Reception which begins at 6.30pm, and will be at a location close by.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 1
Learning Outside the Classroom needs a Centre
Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) is the new DCMS-backed initiative that will be launching in September 2008. LOtC will provide a benchmarking method to show the quality of learning and safety of experiences on offer in a variety of out of school environments. The DCMS is looking for one Science and Discovery Centre to pilot this innovative scheme in the Summer of 2008.
For more information, please contact Dr Penny Fidler, Director of Ecsite-uk: penny.fidler@sciencecentres.org.uk
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 2
Science Communication Conference Bursaries
Bursary applications for this year’s Science Communication Conference are now open.
At least 32 bursaries are being funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), and are designed to attract a wider range of delegates to the conference. Various groups are eligible:
- science communication students
- freelancers/microbusiness (less than 10 employees)
- campaigning groups
- scientists & engineers working in public engagement
The closing date for applications is Monday 14 April.
If you wish to apply for a place, or find out more about the scheme, please visit: britishscienceassociation.org
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 3
STFC Science Centre Awards Scheme
Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC) are pleased to announce the latest round of their Science Centre Awards Scheme for projects for public and schools engagement with science and technology, which runs concurrently with the Small Awards scheme.
The scheme is:
- open to Science & Discovery Centres and Museums;
- for projects which relate to STFC science and technology;
- for projects where the key audience is 11-16 year olds but may also reach out to our other key audiences of the general public, teachers and opinion formers
STFC very much encourage projects that relate to current science and technology and involve partnerships.
Funding of up to £20,000 is available.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 11 April 2008.
Full details including application forms, notes for guidance and details of previous winners can be found at www.stfc.ac.uk/PandS/Fund/Centres/contents2.aspx
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 4
Wellcome Trust Engaging Science Awards
Engaging Science is a grants programme funded by the Wellcome Trust, offering over £3 million per year to support projects that engage the public with biomedical science and its social contexts.
People Awards
People Awards enable successful applicants the opportunity ‘to explore the impact of biomedical science on society, its historical roots, effects on different cultures, or the ethical questions that it brings, by supporting activities such as events, debates, exhibitions, art projects and drama productions related to biomedical science’.
Applicants can apply for up to £30,000 for projects lasting a maximum of three years.
Deadlines for receipt of applications in 2008:
- 2 May
- 18 July
- 10 October
www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/ Public-engagement/Grants/ People-Awards/
Society Awards
Society Awards are for amounts over £30,000 for a maximum of three years.
There are two deadlines in 2008 for preliminary applications to the Society Awards.
- For the 11 April deadline proposals will be accepted on any topic that relates to biomedical science.
- For the 17 October deadline proposals will only be accepted on the topic of: Genes and Health.
www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/ Public-engagement/Grants/ Society-Awards/
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
UKRC Woman of Outstanding Achievement Award 2008
Congratulations to Wendy Sadler, Director of science made simple, on being named a Woman of Outstanding Achievement by the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC)!
Wendy is the first woman in Wales to be named as a winner and was one of six women selected from 125 nominations by a judging panel. She was chosen for her contribution to society through the communication of science, engineering and technology. Her company, ‘science made simple’, a member of Ecsite-uk, uses a range of innovative methods to convey the message that science is something everyone can enjoy.
For further details visit: www.sciencemadesimple.co.uk/page155g.html
RESOURCES 1
Gift Aid
Following the Government's Gift Aid Review, beneficial developments were announced in the Budget on 12 March 2008.
The principal beneficial change is the Budget announcement of a transitional rate of reclaim at 22% for a period of two years, to compensate for the changes to the basic rate of income tax. HM Treasury have published a background note defining this change: www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2008/bn52.pdf
HM Treasury has also published the ‘Consultation on Gift Aid: the Government's response’: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/F/F/bud08_giftaid_335_.pdf [archived page - link removed]
This contains 'some helpful concessions on auditing and a commitment to develop, in association with Charities, better online guidance and a Toolkit which can provide Charities with clear guidance and disseminate approved standardised materials'.
Further information from the Attractions Gift Aid Liaison Group can also be found at: www.giftaidvisitor.co.uk
RESOURCES 2
Why study science?
A number of resources and reports that address the importance of studying science are available online. Two that may be of interest to newsletter readers are:
Ready for the future?
This report was commissioned from Demos by NESTA’s Future Innovators programme, and explores ‘the skills that will be needed to drive innovation in the future’ and ‘young people’s views on work and careers’.
Ready for the future report (pdf)
Hats Off To Science
This is a new feature on the Planet Science website that aims to address how studying science ‘allows students to develop many transferable skills such as good communication, team working and problem solving’.
The ‘Hats Off To Science’ section of the website includes:
- science lesson activities for pupils aged 11-14, highlighting a different transferable skill and an example of someone using this skill in their non-science profession
- case studies introducing individuals who use these sorts of transferable skills, but that are not necessarily scientists
- useful links to useful careers websites.
www.planet-science.com/sciteach/index.html? page=/sciteach/hatsoff/
RESOURCES 3
Determined to Succeed
‘Determined to Succeed is the Scottish Government’s strategy for enterprise in education, through which young people will become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors’.
VITAL STATISTICS
Public Attitudes to Science 2008
Public Attitudes to Science 2008, a national survey commissioned by the Research Councils UK (RCUK) and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), was published on 11 March. It is the third in a series of surveys - the first survey (Science and the Public) was reported in 2000 and the second (Science in Society) in 2005.
One of the aims of the survey was ‘to provide information about what the public thinks about science, scientists and science policy in the UK and explore why the public hold these views’. The latest survey shows that the ‘overall attitudes towards science are positive’, and that ‘public interest in science is high and appears to have increased since 2000’ eg a greater proportion of the UK population agreed that:
- science is such a big part of our lives that we should take an interest (increasing from 74% in 2000 to 79% in 2008); and
- it is important to know about science in my daily life (increasing from 59% in 2000 to 62% in 2008).
To accompany the main survey report, RCUK also commissioned a survey guide.
Both of these documents can be found at: www.rcuk.ac.uk/sis/pas.htm
DIARY DATES
Wellcome Trust Grants workshops
April - September 2008
Engaging Science is a grants programme - upcoming free grants workshops:
- Liverpool on Thursday 10 April 2008 at Tate Liverpool
- Bristol on Thursday 9 July 2008 at Watershed
- York on Thursday 18 September 2008 (venue tbc)
Please email engagingscienceworkshops@wellcome.ac.uk if you would like to attend a workshop, stating which one you are interested in attending.
You will find further information on our Engaging Science grant schemes at:
www.wellcome.ac.uk/engagingscience
Adult Learners’ Week 2008
17 – 23 May
Adult Learners’ Week (ALW) is the UK’s largest celebration of learning. A new ALW website will be launched shortly, but further details about the campaign can currently be found at: www.niace.org.uk/alw/2008
Science Communication Conference
London: 19 – 20 May
The 2008 Science Communication Conference will take place on 19 and 20 May at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Savoy Place, London.
Further details including conference strands, the draft programme and an online booking form will be available in early 2008.
To sign up for an e-lert please visit the conference webpages at:
britishscienceassociation.org
Ecsite Annual Conference 2008
Budapest, Hungary: 29 - 31 May 2008
The central focus of the conference will be to investigate the commitment of science centres and museums for a sustainable society. Discussions will include our role, our actions, and our impact in the coming decades.
For forthcoming announcements visit the Ecsite conference website: www.ecsite-conference.net,
or contact the Ecsite Executive Office at: info@ecsite.net.
CASC 2008: Canadian Association of Science Centres 6th Annual Conference
London, Ontario: 12 – 14 June
Canada's community of science centres invites you to their most important annual event. The CASC 2008 Conference will be hosted by the London Regional Children's Museum in London, Ontario - just a short 2 hour train ride from Toronto.
The 2008 conference theme is ‘Learn to Play! Play to Learn!’, taking a light-hearted approach to the serious issue of creating a truly innovative society in Canada. You are invited to share experiences and learn techniques about engaging audiences through play, to have your own fun exploring emerging issues and opportunities, and to celebrate all that is exciting, inspiring and successful about science centres in Canada and around the world today.
For a programme and registration information visit www.casc2008accs.ca
5th Science Centre World Congress
Ontario Science Centre, Toronto: 15 – 20 June
Registration for the 5th Science Centre World Congress is now open.
Visit www.5scwc.org to find out more.
Science and the Public Conference
Manchester: 21 – 22 June
The third annual conference on Science and the Public will take place on 21 and 22 June 2008, hosted by the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine (CHSTM) at the University of Manchester.
For further information about the conference please visit:
www.chstm.manchester.ac.uk/ newsandevents/conferences/ scienceandthepublic
National Archaeology Week
12 – 20 July
Discover and explore the archaeological heritage of the United Kingdom during National Archaeology Week. ‘The aim of this annual event is to encourage everyone, and especially young people and their families, to visit sites of archaeological and historical interest or museums, heritage and resource centres, to see archaeology in action and to take part in activities on-site’. www.britarch.ac.uk/naw
BIG Event
Techniquest@NEWI, Wrexham: 23 – 25 July
The first draft of the BIG Event 2008 programme is now live (updated programmes will be available regularly until the event in July). For further information and a registration form go to: www.big.uk.com/events/
The BIG Event is relevant not only for people running science centres and museums, but for artists, presenters, archaeologists, educators, students, front of house staff, evaluators and anyone involved in interactive communication whatever their field.
The BA Festival of Science 2008
Liverpool: 6 – 11 September
In September 2008, the Festival of Science will visit Liverpool, European Capital of Culture '08, hosted by the University of Liverpool.
Find out about current research in scientific issues which affect us all; bring along the whole family to take part in the Science Explosion at the World Museum; or join the 'Magical Memory Tour' where you can relive your youth through memories of The Beatles. And make sure you don't miss some of the best speakers from around the world. To find out more visit: www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/BritishScienceFestival/
Ecsite-uk
Dr Louise Webb
Ecsite-uk: the Network of Science Centres and Museums
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