January 2006
Contents
Ecsite conference manager post advertised
European D-Space project seeks opinions
'What Ahab never saw' available to tour
Clore Leadership Programme 2006-07
Scotland's science centres network strategy launched
NEWS FROM THE ECSITE-UK OFFICE
Gift Aid, continued
Since circulation of the last eNews, a number of charitable attractions have read the published guidance (not in the context of the full wording of the Act) and had been working up schemes to give annual membership on payment of an amount, and then charge "a reduced fee" for subsequent visits during the year.
HMR&C have issued a definitive statement of their position, and will be issuing supplemental guidance. This supersedes the their previous interpretations given to some enquirers.
The letter from Mark Nellthorp, Head of HMRC Charities, addressed to Ken Robinson, Chair, Attractions Gift Aid Liaison Group, is linked here for your information, in case you have been planning such a scheme!
Letter from Mark Nellthorp about Gift Aid (PDF)
NEWS FROM ECSITE'S BRUSSELS OFFICE
Conference manager post advertised
Ecsite is looking for a new Conferences and Communication Coordinator.
Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with Ecsite Committees, s/he will be responsible for the development and organisation of the Annual Conference and its market place, and of other Ecsite meetings, conferences and workshops.
S/he will also be responsible for communication with members through the e-newsletter and the website. Other assignments, such as the management of some European projects may be added as part of the task.
The applicant will demonstrate excellent communicational and organisational skills and operational experience, and the ability to deliver content-driven events on time and on budget. Knowledge of the European science communicational field, both private and public, will be a strong asset.
The candidate will be proficient in English and in at least two other European languages.
Ecsite offers a full-time contract and a gross salary of €30 000
The post is based in Brussels with some travel in Europe.
Interviews will be held in Brussels at applicants' own costs at the beginning of February.
Starting date: April 2006
Candidates should send a letter of interest and a Curriculum Vitae to:
Catherine Franche
Executive Director, Ecsite
Coudenberg 70, 5th Floor
B-1000 Brussels
cfranche@ecsite.net
Closing date: 27 January 2006
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 1
European D-Space project seeks opinions
The D-Space project is a European initiative, currently in the feasibility study stage, which aims to make a network of robotic telescopes available via the internet to students, teachers, researchers, amateur astronomers and the wider public.
The project intends to integrate five robotic telescopes around the world into one 'virtual observatory' and provide the services required to operate this facility, including a scheduling service, tools for data manipulation, plus access to related educational materials.
As a potential user, we would like to ask for your input at this stage to establish your requirements and expectations of such a scheme.
Any feedback would be very welcome, but to ensure that the responses are comparable, please could you include the following points:
- Would the service be of interest to you / your organisation?
- Do you use another similar service (eg. The Schools Observatory, the Faulkes Telescope)?
- What would you want to use the telescopes for?
- There would be a charge for this service, would you be willing to pay? And if so, how much?
All comments please to Helen Weeks (The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux): h.weeks@the-observatory.org
Many thanks in anticipation!
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 2
'What Ahab never saw' available to tour
The University of St Andrews Sea Mammal Research Unit has developed a showcase of its most exciting and cutting-edge research in the display 'What Ahab Never Saw'. This exhibit is designed to give an insight into new and exciting research on marine mammals in the wild.
Detailing the underwater life of whales, seals and dolphins, this exhibit shows how scientists are using advances in technology to explore how these animals use the deep, dark ocean. Showcasing, Sperm Whales, Elephant Seals, Antarctic Fur Seals and Bottlenose Dolphins, this display takes you into the fascinating world of these animals and the complex nature of their societies. This exhibition brings science to life with fascinating facts for professionals, budding biologists, school groups and families.
The exhibits were displayed at the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition, July 2005, and are now available to tour to science centres and museums.
To discuss transport costs etc, contact
Nicola Quick, Sea Mammal Research Unit
njq@st-andrews.ac.uk
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 3
Clore Leadership Programme 2006-07
From January 11, applications are invited for the 2006-07 Fellowships on the Clore Leadership Programme, which this year will include the Wellcome Trust Fellowship for someone interested in the arts and biomedical science, as well as fellowships in other specialist areas. The closing date for applications is 21 February.
The Clore Leadership Programme is designed to help develop the knowledge, skills, networks and experience of potential leaders across a wide range of cultural activities. This includes the visual and performing arts, heritage, museums, libraries and archives, and cultural policy and administration. We offer about twenty-five Fellowships a year to exceptional individuals.
Most of our Fellowships apply across a wide range of cultural activity. We will also be offering some Fellowships focused on particular specialist areas. These specialist Fellowships include The Wellcome Trust Fellowship, for someone who wants to play a leadership role in developing links between the arts and biomedical science within a wide cultural context. The Fellowship will include a period of research in a scientific environment and an opportunity to explore contemporary research practice across the arts and science divide.
The Clore Leadership Programme is an individually tailored programme to develop potential leaders, which includes:
- two intensive residential leadership courses
- professional development through mentoring, tuition and group learning
- time for reflection, research and debate
- experience of secondment to a different organisation, managing a high-level project.
For details, and answers to some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions, see www.cloreleadership.org
RESOURCE
OST guidelines for dialogue
The Office for Science and Technology's 'Science and Society' web page opens as follows: "The concept of Science and Society recognises the increasing impact of science on our everyday lives and reflects a move away from a traditional paternalistic one-way provision of information to the public and towards engagement and dialogue with civil society on science and the issues it raises for individuals and society. The aim is to achieve greater public involvement in the debate about the place of science in society."
Of particular relevance to practitioners in the field of science communication are the OST Guidelines for Dialogue, at: [archived - link removed]
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
Scotland's science centres network strategy launched
Published on 9 December, the Science Centres Strategy 2005-09 promises inspiration and innovation through collaboration and sharing best practice.
Launching the strategy at Satrosphere in Aberdeen, Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen said: "In today's global market, science has never been so important.
"I am determined to see Scotland as a 'science nation'. To deliver, we need to encourage more young people to get interested in science. Our Science Centre's Network has a crucial role to play in developing the enthusiasm of young people in science and technology.
"This strategy outlines how Scotland's four science centres, in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee, will work together with the Scottish Executive.
"The Executive intends to invest £13 million in our four centres, and their commitment to make the most of this investment by working together will ensure their future."
Scotland's Science Centres Network consists of four centres working in partnership with the Executive:
- Satrosphere Science Centre in Aberdeen
- Sensation in Dundee
- Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh
- Glasgow Science Centre
The Science Centres Strategy describes the four-year strategy developed by Scotland's four science centres, with the Executive. It supports the aims of the Executive's Science Strategy for Scotland, and acknowledges the recommendations of the Scottish Science Advisory Committee (SSAC) reports, 'Science Matters' and 'Why Science Education Matters'. It has been developed in the context of reports commissioned by the Executive into the education provision and general operations of the four science centres.
DIARY DATES
Caring for the Blue Planet
29 January to 2 February 2006, Boulogne sur Mer
The 3rd international meeting 'Acting together for the future of the Blue Planet' is organised by the World Ocean Network (www.worldoceannetwork.org) and partners at NAUSICAA, Centre National de la Mer, in Boulogne sur Mer.
The event, under the aegis of the IOC/UNESCO and UNEP/GPA will immediately follow the Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts and Islands taking place at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
Participants of the meeting and experts from the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts and Islands will have the opportunity to state their priorities regarding sustainable use of the ocean (eg global campaign to raise public awareness).
For more information or to pre-register, contact the World Ocean Network: meeting@nausicaa.fr
Public Engagement Conference
3-4 April 2006, Manchester
The Wellcome Trust presents: Engaging Science Conference, at the Manchester Conference Centre.
Explore the rich diversity of creative outputs, supported by the Wellcome Trust, that have raised awareness of bioscience and its issues to people of all ages, from all walks of life.
The Engaging Science Conference will be:
The time to consider the growth of public engagement and ask: Is it progress? Has our thinking really changed? Do we stop there? What should we be doing now for the future?
The place to bring together artists, science communicators, educators, scientists, the media, policy-makers, and community leaders to debate whether public engagement is actively engaging all sectors of society or repeatedly reaching the same few.
Whether you are already involved in public engagement or want to find out how to begin, join in the discussions, workshops and live performances to consider: Is Public Engagement Engaging the Public?
Ecsite Annual Conference 2006
8-10 June 2006, Mechelen
The Ecsite Annual Conference 2006 is in Mechelen (just outside Brussels), hosted by Technopolis, the Flemish science centre.
The themes for 2006 are:
- Trends and challenges in cutting edge research and technological development
- Science centres: children only?
- What are they really learning?
Ecsite Conference 2006 first announcement (PDF file)
For details, contact conference@ecsite.net and watch the website for announcements www.ecsite.net
Science Communication Conference
13-14 July 2006, London
The 2006 Science Communication Conference will take place at the Institute of Electrical Engineers, Savoy Place, London.
Plans are to split the conference into three strands looking at:
- Science Education - linking formal and informal learning
- Science Communication - science and the media, science PR and science events
- Science in Society - public engagement, policy through dialogue, SIS strategy
There will be a mixture of plenary, group and workshop sessions as well as lunchtime discussions and working lunches covering more practical skills. As in previous years there will be a drinks reception and conference dinner.
Draft versions of the programme will be circulated via the pscicom e-mailing list for comment, if you would like to make suggestions of sessions, projects or speakers please contact nick.hillier@the-ba.net.
Ecsite-uk
Dr Melanie Quin, Executive Director
Ecsite-uk: the Network of Science Centres and Museums
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