July 2004
Contents
sciZmic clubs pick junior Aventis Prize
Public awareness of science - good projects guide
New director at Techniquest, Cardiff
Big screen science = fancy title + fab project
News from the Ecsite-uk Office
sciZmic clubs pick junior Aventis Prize
The American author Bill Bryson won the prestigious Aventis Prize for popular science books for 'A Short History Of Nearly Everything'.
The junior prize was won by was Nick Arnold and Tony Desalles for 'Horrible science: Really rotten experiments'. The junior prize judges - who picked the winner from a panel-selected shortlist - numbered 687 science club members spread nationwide from Orkney to Cornwall. Congrats to Ecsite-uk's sciZmic project team for coordinating the judging process, and penning "thanks for being a Judge" certificates to every single child!
Full Aventis Prize story:
[archived link - may not work] news.bbc.co.uk
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR
Einstein Year grant scheme
Einstein Year is the UK and Ireland's contribution to the world-wide celebrations marking International Year of Physics. It is a unique opportunity to enthuse young people about physics and to highlight the contribution of contemporary physics to society.
To make Einstein Year truly national, the Institute of Physics is encouraging individuals and organisations to run their own physics-based outreach activities in their communities during 2005.
To support these activities, the Institute is offering awards of up to £1,500 through the Einstein Year grant scheme. Application forms and further information for Round 1 of the Einstein Year grant scheme are now available online at [archived - link removed]
The closing date for Round-1 is 24 September 2004 and priority will be given to activities taking place in the first half of 2005. (The closing date for Round-2 will be 25 February 2005.)
For more information on Einstein Year please contact Caitlin Watson, Einstein Year Project Manager: caitlin.watson@iop.org
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR
EPSRC PPA awards - call for proposals
The Partnerships for Public Awareness (PPA) scheme is run by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and provides funding for EPSRC grant holders to support the Council's mission of improving public awareness of leading research and its impact on society.
PPA awards are intended to encourage researchers - in partnership with outside specialist communicators or partner organisations - to engage in effective, high quality activities to promote public engagement in EPSRC research areas.
There are three funding tiers:
Under £20k - no closing date for these proposals
£20k to £120k - closing date for receipt of proposals, 3 September 2004
£120k to £250k - closing date, 3 September 2004
For details, see
[archived link - may not work] www.epsrc.ac.uk
Prospective applicants may wish to discuss their proposals prior to submission. Contact Glenys France 01793 444169 or email glenys.france@epsrc.ac.uk
RESOURCE
Public awareness of science projects
- good practice guide
The 'Partnerships for Public Awareness: Good Practice Guide' is intended to help all practicing science communicators and especially those considering an application for the EPSRC Partnerships for Public Awareness (PPA) award scheme.
The Guide contains a wealth of information about how to plan an effective public awareness project. Also discussed are: reasons to get involve in public awareness activity; possible audiences and techniques for projects; a collection of case studies of previous PPA awards; and how to avoid such notorious pitfalls as problems with publicity and evaluation.
An invaluable primer to anyone embarking on a science-communication career, or seeking to build on their on-the-job training!
Hard copies can be requested, or a PDF file downloaded at:
[archived link - may not work] www.epsrc.ac.uk
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
New director at Techniquest, Cardiff
Techniquest's new director/CEO arrived in Cardiff bay on 1 July. Peter Trevitt is former Head of Creative Services for NMSI Trading Ltd, the Science Museum's equivalent of Techniquest Enterprises. Colin Johnson, outgoing CEO, retires on 31 August.
On his appointment, Trevitt said: "I am absolutely delighted to be appointed to succeed Colin in his role at Techniquest. Having spent 15 years in the hands-on field and with a physics background this is a particular privilege for me, and I am greatly looking forward to working with you all. From a professional point of view I have always been greatly impressed by the range and quality of Techniquest's many achievements (and I brought my two children, 13 and 16, in a few weeks ago and they gave you a big 'thumbs up' too!). Living up to your expectations and getting down to the business of taking Techniquest forward to an exciting and enjoyable future will be key goals for me, and it will be a pleasure doing this with like-minded people who share the desire to convey the wonder of science to others."
Welcome to Wales, Peter!
[archived link - may not work] www.techniquest.org
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
Big screen science = fancy title + fab project
First Light, the UK Film Council's young person's filmmaking initiative, has teamed up with The Wellcome Trust and the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts (NESTA) for Big Screen Science: [archived page - link removed]
The campaign will encourage teachers, pupils and youth groups across the UK to use filmmaking to discuss biomedical science issues.
'Info-Labs' (a series of information events taking place during November at six leading science centres - in Glasgow, London, Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff and Belfast) will provide an ideal opportunity for adults working with young people to develop film ideas about biomedical science - educators, scientists and filmmakers will be on hand to provide guidance. The best of the resulting one-page ideas will earn selected schools and youth groups a chance to attend a one-day workshop at a science centre where they will work on their film ideas with filmmaking professionals. Ultimately, six chosen schools/groups will be given expert support to transform their developed idea into a real short film.
Outstanding creative and educational outcomes are expected, with premieres of the final six Big Screen Science films in 2005, plus an accompanying resource book and video pack, chronicling the processes leading to the finished films.
For more information about Big Screen Science's 'Info-Labs,' please email science@firstlightmovies.com or call 0121 693 2091.
DIARY DATES
Ecsite-uk AGM
8 September, Plymouth
This year's AGM is hosted by the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth, a hop-skip-jump from the campus of Exeter University where this year's BA Festival of Science will be held.
Our meeting in Plymouth will combine essential AGM business with an examination and discussion of opportunities for sector-wide collaboration - informed by the Government Spending Review (announced 12 July) and the new OST Grant Scheme, 'Sciencewise' (formally launched by Lord Sainsbury at the BA Festival of Science on 6th September at Exeter University).
Mark the date (8 September, morning thru lunch) and location (Plymouth) in your diary! Registration and programme details follow in the August e-news.
BA Festival of Science details: [archived link - may not work] www.the-ba.net
Communicate: an International Conference on Conservation and Communication
7-9 October, Bristol
Communicate's host, Quentin Cooper from BBC Radio 4's Material World, will guide us through 3 days of engaging presentations, expert panel sessions, practical workshops and interactive debates focussed on effective environmental communication.
Targetting communicators of the natural world internationally, communicate promises to be a major event in the 2004 conservation calendar. With only 250 delegate places available, the number of delegates attending from each sector has been capped to ensure that a dynamic, balanced and inspiring mix of professionals are represented.
For details and to secure your place now, see [archived link - may not work] www.festivalofnature.org
If you have any questions please contact the communicate helpline on 0117 915 7192 or email info@festivalofnature.org
Visitor Attractions Conference
12 October, London
The first-ever National Conference of Visitor Attractions (aquariums, gardens, historic houses, museums, piers, science centres, theme parks, zoos…. etc) will be held at the QE11 Centre, Westminster, on 12 October.
The conference is designed to give senior executives the opportunity to step back and absorb material presented by an array of experts in a reflective atmosphere. The programme allows you to:
- Identify industry developments and opportunities to succeed in your market
- Evaluate your own strategies with your competitors to stay one step ahead
- Hear about innovative marketing strategies to maximise spend in pursuit of international and domestic tourism
- Absorb up-to-the minute market research.
The discounted Conference fee offer for early booking applies until 29th July - book now!
Ecsite-uk
Dr Melanie Quin, Executive Director Ecsite-uk: the Science and Discovery Centre Network
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