In October 2024 ASDC launched the new evidence-informed Valuing Inclusion Theory of Change, funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). This new framework ‘valuing inclusion’ is a tool for advocacy, producing a shared language of impact and a framework for practitioners to measure, prove and improve inclusive science engagement.
The ambition of the Theory of Change is to break down barriers to engagement and open up pathways to opportunity, backed up by quantitative and qualitative research, evidence gathering programmes and interviews with science and discovery centre staff, their community partners, funders, evaluators and wider networks.
How? Through change mechanisms that support:
- Agency and ownership
- Belonging
- Relevance
- Skills development
- Social connections
- Possible selves (broadening horizons)
- Connection to opportunities
Grant programme
ASDC invited proposals for projects that devote time, staff expertise and partnerships to put the now developed Valuing Inclusion Theory of Change into practice. This programme is a continuation of the work of Explore Your Universe: Valuing Inclusion (2024) with the objective to further refine and define the meaningful inclusive outcomes and their role as mechanisms of change, that nurture STFC STEM capital and STEM identity.
The Theory of Change can be used as a design tool – a starting point for the co-design of projects during proposal stage - with inclusive activities that are captivating, accessible and meaningful being put in place to promote the inclusive participant outcomes. The participant outcomes in turn can be used as a reflective tool for projects or organisations, as well as a theory of progression for participants – moving from initial moments that ignite STEM curiosity, towards independent action that enables STEM choices, through engagement with Informal STEM Learning.
Delivery grants for science and discovery centres and museums were split into two options:
- Ten grants of £9,500 for co-designing a model of multiple “4 or more” engagements (with the same individuals)
- Ten grants of £4,000 for organisations who would like to delve into the value of ‘one-off’ engagements that follow the guidance of the Theory of Change during design and delivery.
"Our aim is is to embody and evidence the Theory of Change, utilise a shared language that values and articulates our work, and further evidence the disruptive power science and discovery centres have to break down perceived barriers between science/scientists and society."
Shaaron Leverment, Project Director & Chief Executive, ASDC
This video is an overview of the 17 projects run by science centres and museums around the UK, using STFC science, content, people and/or places as the catalyst to nurture inclusive outcomes for young people who represent the diverse scientists, researchers and innovators of the future.
The 12 delivery partners were:
- Aberdeen Science Centre
- Dundee Science Centre
- Dynamic Earth
- Explorer Dome
- Kielder Observatory
- Life science centre
- National Space Centre
- Royal Astronomical Society
- STEM Discovery Centre
- W5 Science and Discovery Centre
- Winchester science centre
- Xplore! science discovery centre
The Valuing Inclusion Theory of Change is specifically relevant for lower science capital audiences, who face multiple barriers to participation in STEM. This piece of work comes from the last 7 years of work across the network and is supported by STFC to promote equity and inclusion for it's many benefits for individuals and society, and as the key to unlocking more diverse participation in STEM research, development, industry and innovation for the future of the UK.
In this programme, the developed ASDC Theory of Change is being used as a sector tool guiding practice towards impactful and measurable inclusive STEM outcomes.
"The programme has developed greatly over time, from a straightforward delivery project at the start, to a project which now is a force for equity and social justice through science and technology."
STFC APPE member
This programme is a continuation of the work of Explore Your Universe: Valuing Inclusion (2024) and is funded by Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), part of UKRI. This is the final grant programme within the Explore Your Universe series which started as a partnership between STFC and ASDC in 2011.
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