JUNE 2008
Contents
WELCOME: Welcome to our June newsletter
FAREWELL: Farewell to Rosalind Mist
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK: Parliamentary Debate on Funding of Science & Discovery Centres, Ecsite-uk reports, The Ecsite Annual Conference in Budapest, Major opportunity to celebrate your centre in the National STEM Directory, Science Centres awarded STEMNET sub-regional contracts
NEWS FROM ECSITE EUROPE: Extra
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR: Helping policy makers talk with the public, Teaching Outside the Classroom, £3 million investment for future of science and mathematics education, Darwin200 forum, New science communication course in Scotland, Dementia consultation, The 2008 National Brain Science Writing Prize
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS: Great Auk Egg
RESOURCES: Wellcome Trust education reports, Science Budget Allocations Report, GetSET Women Database
WELCOME
Welcome to our June newsletter
We are delighted to report details of the Parliamentary debate on the Funding of Science & Discovery Centres on 15 May 2008. This debate was called by the Select Committee in full support of the work our 50 centres, and included hugely supportive speeches from Phil Willis the Chair of the Committee, and a response by the Minister Ian Pearson. Further details are below and a fuller report and transcript are on our website.
Throughout May we have also been busy promoting the work of the UK Science & Discovery Centres both within the UK, with Parliamentary advisors, with UK-wide stakeholders and across Europe at the Ecsite Annual Conference. We continue to use the recently published reports to promote the excellent work of our members, and to show the opportunities our network represents for the future of UK science and innovation.
Warm regards
Dr Penny Fidler, Director of Ecsite-uk
FAREWELL
Farewell to Ros
On 17 June Dr Rosalind Mist will be moving on from Ecsite-uk to take up an excellent full-time post based at the Royal Society, managing the 'Science Community Representing Education' (SCORE) project, a partnership between a number of learned societies www.score-education.org
Rosalind has been a key figure in Ecsite-uk for the past six years and knows many of you well. Whilst it's of course very sad for us, its a fantastic opportunity for her and a great career move, and we look forward to new and fruitful collaborations with her in this new role.
I'm sure you will join with us in wishing Ros every success in her new adventures.
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 1
Parliamentary Debate on Funding of Science & Discovery Centres
The Parliamentary Debate on the Funding of Science & Discovery Centres
15 May 2008, Westminster Hall, Houses of Parliament
This debate was called by MPs of the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee (formerly Science and Technology Committee) to examine the Government’s progress and direction relating to the Funding of Science & Discovery Centres. This follows from the Select Committee Report in October and the Government's response in January.
Phil Willis, Chair of this Committee and MPs Brian Iddon, Evan Harris, Ian Gibson and Adam Afriyie were hugely supportive of the UK’s Science and Discovery Centres, complimenting many individual centres by name. Quotes of their enthusiastic support can be found in the transcript on our website.
Details on our website also include:
- A summary of the debate
- A transcript of the debate created as a word document – search for where your organisation is mentioned
- Links to select committee report and Government response
- A video of the debate (© Parliament.uk and available only until 11 June)
www.ecsite-uk.net/select-committee/parliamentary-debate.html
NEWS FROM ESCITE-UK 2
Ecsite-uk reports
We are delighted that so many of you have found the new Ecsite-uk reports useful in promoting your work and that of the sector with MPs, funders and other stakeholders, and in providing evidence for funding applications. Please feel free to circulate these reports widely.
The main report ‘Inspiration, Engagement and Learning’ includes the results of the 2007 survey of Ecsite-uk Science & Discovery Centres with recommendations and next steps for our sector. It also contains a selection of case studies written by CEOs and Directors from centres across the UK, sharing ideas of how to increase financial sustainability.
The second report focuses on ‘The Impact of Science Centres: A Review of Studies Worldwide’ and the third report focuses on five pilot consortia projects involving 14 centres across the UK.
The reports can be found at www.ecsite-uk.net/reports/
These reports were funded by DIUS and DCSF
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 3
The Ecsite Annual Conference in Budapest
Ecsite has over 400 member Science & Discovery Centres across Europe. Ecsite-uk is the largest of just three affiliated National Ecsite organisations (Ecsite-nl, Netherlands and Ecsite-d, Germany being the other two).
In May this year 800 participants from 44 countries across Europe and further afield gathered to share ideas in Budapest at the Hungarian Natural History Museum.
Over the three days, there were 100 hours of sessions and over 250 presentations were made. One of the many successes of the conference was a joint position statement on the science of evolution. This was championed jointly by Ecsite-uk and the Natural History Museum, London in collaboration with a number of other European Natural History Museums.
Next year’s Conference will be in Milan. Session proposals will need to be submitted in September 2008.
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 4
Major opportunity to celebrate your centre in the National STEM Directory
The Government has backed the creation of 'STEM Directories' listing every major UK scheme and activity aimed at inspiring young people with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This is an ambitious and valuable National undertaking. The directory will be compiled by the Royal Institution, The BA and The University of the West of England.
If a teacher can phone you and book a visit, or book you to visit them in at least a regional manner, you are eligible to be included. It is free and since ALL Ecsite-uk members are major players in this arena we would strongly recommend members put themselves forward to be included, celebrating the specific activities your organisation prizes most highly. This directory will be circulated to all UK schools later in the year and available online.
The deadline is short - if you want to be included you must submit your details to this website by Monday 16 June. Details were circulated last week to marketing contacts in many Ecsite-uk centres.
All the details are all on the following website: www.stemdirectories.org.uk
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 5
Science Centres awarded STEMNET sub-regional contracts
We are delighted to announce that, having completed the sub-regional contract tendering process, STEMNET have identified several UK Science & Discovery Centres as preferred bidders for several sub-regions across the UK. These are MOSI in Manchester, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust in Shropshire, Thinktank in Birmingham, The Oxford Trust, INTECH in Winchester and Techniquest in Cardiff.
A further tendering process was undertaken to cover those sub-regions where contracts had not been offered. This process has now closed and successful bidders will be announced on 22 August 2008 for commencement on 1 October 2008.
The full UK list is available to download from Preferred Bidders List 30.4.08 (PDF)
NEWS FROM ECSITE EUROPE
Extra
Extra is the definitive online tool for Europe’s community of professionals working with travelling science exhibitions.
You can search a wealth of exhibitions, exhibits, specimens and more, all available for rent, sale or loan.
Add your own exhibitions, and maximise their visibility across Europe.
Sign up for free, and see what's on offer at: www.extrascience.eu
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 1
Helping policy makers talk with the public
Government launches NEW Expert Resource Centre (ERC) for Public Dialogue in Science and Innovation
The new centre, a virtual information hub together with a range of offline support services, was launched on 29 May 2008 and will be an excellent tool in helping Ministers and officials to work closely with dialogue specialists, the wider science engagement community, scientists and businesses to explore public views and concerns on complex and potentially controversial scientific issues.
The Sciencewise ERC will also provide co-funding to Government departments and agencies to conduct dialogue projects linked to specific live policy issues. A number of potential areas, for example synthetic biology and aviation, are being discussed with a view to commissioning projects in the next few months.
For further information go to:
nds.coi.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp? ReleaseID=368850&NewsAreaID=2
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 2
Teaching Outside the Classroom
Teaching Outside the Classroom supports the development of placements across England for trainee teachers in settings other than schools.
Getting involved:
- Would you like to help trainee teachers to develop their understanding of partnership working, learning outside the classroom and creativity?
- Could you offer placements to trainee teachers in your setting?
Find out more at: www.teachingoutsidetheclassroom.com
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 3
£3 million investment for future of science and mathematics education
The Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), in partnership with other Research Councils and the Institute of Physics (IoP), Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and the Gatsby Foundation are investing £3 million “to find new ways to encourage young people into STEM studies and careers”.
Five science and mathematics education projects focusing on the secondary school age range will be supported by this investment. These projects are from the Institute of Education; the University of Leeds and the University of Cambridge, and two from Kings College.
Full copy of the press release
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 4
Darwin200 forum
Darwin200 is pleased to announce the creation of an online forum for its partners, which is now live at:
www.darwin200.org/partner/forum/
If you are keen to make contact with other partners, call for or share ideas and collaborate, then you may find this forum extremely useful!
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 5
New science communication course in Scotland
A new MSc/PGDip/PGCert (part-time or full-time) in science communication has been developed by the University of Glasgow. The Inter-Professional Science Education and Communication (IPSEC) programme is unique in Scotland and will commence in autumn 2008.
For more information, see the Faculty of Education website
or visit the IPSEC programme page.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 6
Dementia consultation
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is holding a public consultation on the ethical dilemmas faced by people with dementia and those who care for them.
The closing date for responses is 31 July 2008.
For more details visit:
www.nuffieldbioethics.org/ go/ourwork/dementia/page_922.html
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 7
The 2008 National Brain Science Writing Prize
Do you have a passion for brains? Could you write a newspaper-style article celebrating the amazing world of brain science?
At-Bristol, The European Dana Alliance for the Brain and The British Neuroscience Association have joined forces with BBC Focus magazine to find the best brain communicators in the country.
Visit At-Bristol’s award-winning 'Your amazing brain' website for details
www.youramazingbrain.org/writingprize.htm
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
Great Auk Egg
The World Museum Liverpool has announced the first public showing of an extremely rare egg of the extinct Great Auk. This large egg is probably the finest specimen of its kind in existence, and has been in the museum's collections for about 150 years, but there are no records of it ever being put on public display before.
Clem Fisher, the museum's curator of vertebrate zoology, said "This egg was collected long ago when nature conservation was virtually unknown. It reminds us that whole species can disappear in this way. This particular egg has probably the most interesting and beautiful markings of all the 75 eggs which are known to exist in the world."
RESOURCES 1
Wellcome Trust education reports
Readers may be interested in a series of downloadable reports based on commissioned research that informs the Wellcome Trust education work, and stimulates wider discussion about science education. Examples of reports available include:
- Creative Encounters: Feasibility study for a touring exhibition to promote creative learning in science
- The Effects of National Testing in Science at KS2 in England and Wales: Executive summary
- National Primary Science Survey (England) In-service Training Audit
- Evaluation of the National Network of Science Learning Centres: Final report.
For these and other education reports go to:
www.wellcome.ac.uk/About-us/Publications/Books/Education/
RESOURCES 2
Science Budget Allocations Report
The House of Commons, Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills (IUSS) Select Committee ‘Science Budget Allocations Report’ is available at:
www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmselect/cmdius/215/215.pdf
RESOURCES 3
GetSET Women Database
The GetSET Women database provides an extensive listing of women working in science, engineering, technology and the built environment, who are keen to promote their subject to wider public audiences.
VITAL STATISTICS
The UK has:
- 1% of the world’s population
- Carries out 4.5% of the world's research
- Publishes 8% of the world's scientific publications.
The latest Public Attitudes to Science survey, published in March, revealed broad public support for science. 82 per cent of people said they were amazed by the achievements of science, up from 75 per cent in 2000. Nearly 80 per cent believe people should take an interest in science, given its impact on their lives.
The 2008 National Science and Engineering Week was the best yet, attracting some 1.4 million participants to around 3,500 events nationwide.
Source: Minister Ian Pearson’s speech at the BA Science Communication Conference, London, 20 May 2008
www.dius.gov.uk/speeches/pearson_SSC_200508.html
DIARY DATES
CASC 2008: Canadian Association of Science Centres 6th Annual Conference
London, Ontario: 12 – 14 June 2008
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 two 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 2008
Register now for the 5th Science Centre World Congress taking place 15 – 19 June 2008 in Toronto, Canada. This forum offers delegates a unique milieu in which to explore the theme of Science Centres as Agents of Change – locally, nationally and internationally. Together we will reflect on the opportunities and challenges facing our science centres, build networks and exchange ideas.
The theme addresses the role science centres play to inspire and actively engage people in new ways of seeing, understanding, and thinking about themselves and the world around them. An exciting, provocative program of keynote, plenary and fifty parallel sessions have been developed around this theme. This program is augmented by poster sessions, behind the scenes tours to the Royal Ontario Museum, MaRS Centre and Ontario Science Centre.
Visit the Congress Website www.5scwc.org to register.
TextWorkshop Training Day
London Transport Museum, Covent Garden: 16 June 2008
Join writer Dea Birkett and museum professional Rebecca Mileham for a TextWorkshop training course that will challenge and inspire you - as well as your audiences. Practical and interactive, the full-day programme covers top tips that can quickly make your text more accessible, appealing and effective at getting your message across.
For further details of TextWorkshop, and to download a booking form, please go to www.textworkshop.co.uk
Science and the Public Conference
Manchester: 21 – 22 June 2008
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
The deadline for registration is Saturday 14 June.
First Steps in Science for Adults
National Science Learning Centre, York: 23 - 25 June 2008
This residential course is suitable for anybody who provides – or would like to provide - opportunities for adults to learn science or think about scientific issues.
Programme includes:
- Workshops on genetics, science for health, astronomy, and science for adults with visual impairments
- Rocket building competition
- Hands on experiments, which can be reproduced without laboratory facilities
- A chance to develop ideas for new projects
Book online at: www.slcs.ac.uk/national/nat39
NIACE (www.niace.org.uk) and the National Science Learning Centre (www.sciencelearningcentres.org.uk) are working together to promote science learning and knowledge amongst adults.
Wellcome Trust Grants workshops
July, September 2008
Engaging Science is a grants programme - upcoming free grants workshops:
- Bristol on Wednesday 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 the Engaging Science grant schemes at:
www.wellcome.ac.uk/engagingscience
National Archaeology Week
12 – 20 July 2008
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
Visitor Studies Association Conference
Houston, Texas: 15 – 19 July 2008
Registration is now open for the 21st Annual Visitor Studies Association Conference. The theme for the 2008 conference is ‘Theory, Practice, & Conversations’. Presentations and conversations will focus on creating bridges to understanding among researchers, evaluators, and those who apply research and evaluation within organisations.
Go to: www.visitorstudies.org/conference_about.htm for more information about the pre-conference workshops, conference programme, and registration.
Fundraising from Trusts and Foundations
Museum of the Order of St. John, London: 16 July, 2008
For staff and volunteers in museums, libraries, and archives involved in fundraising or wishing to learn more about fundraising.
This course aims to provide delegates with an overview of trusts and foundations that are relevant to them, examine what trusts and foundations are looking for, develop strategies for fundraising from trusts and foundations, and how organisations can effectively apply for funding from them.
For further information go to www.mlalondon.org.uk, or download a booking form at:
www.mlalondon.org.uk/uploads/documents/MLAL_Booking_Form_2008.doc
Euroscience Open Forum 2008 (ESOF2008)
Barcelona: 18 – 22 July, 2008
ESOF 2008 is made up of 83 scientific sessions from 10 scientific themes, 10 career sessions for young researchers and 70 outreach activities for the general public, allowing participants to have a unique overview of European Science and to benefit of numerous networking opportunities. This summer the event will welcome more than 450 speakers and session organisers from 30 countries and is expected to attract about 3000 participants among scientists, policy makers, industry, students, educators as well as journalists and the general public.
BIG Event
Techniquest@NEWI, Wrexham: 23 – 25 July 2008
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 2008
In September 2008, the Festival of Science will visit Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008, 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.the-ba.net/the-ba/FestivalofScience/
Ecsite-uk AGM 2008
Liverpool: 11 September, 2008
We look forward to welcoming you to our Annual Meeting. Save the date, details will be in the next newsletter.
European In-Service Training Course for Teachers and Museum Educators
Fourth edition, Deutsches Museum, Munich, Germany: 7 – 14 December 2008
The European in-service training course school and science museum: cooperation to improve teaching, learning and discovery is aimed at primary school teachers and at museum educators. The objective of the course is the development of knowledge and competences in science education, using museums as educational resources.
The course participation fee is 600 Euros (cancellation fee 100 Euros).
Citizens of the countries participating in the Socrates programme (now called Lifelong Learning 2007-2013) can take part in the course and apply for funding of the expenses through Comenius or Grundtvig grants. People interested in participating can find information about the application procedures via the websites of the Socrates National Agency of their own country. To find out the website of the Socrates National Agency in your country, please visit ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/llp/national_en.html. The application deadline is the 30 June 2008, for both programmes and in all countries.
For information about the course, please contact:
Ms Traudel Weber at the Deutsches Museum: G.Weber@deutsches-museum.de
Dr Maria Xanthoudaki at the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci: xanthoudaki@museoscienza.it
Ecsite-uk
Dr Louise Webb
Ecsite-uk: the Network of Science Centres and Museums
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