MARCH 2008
Contents
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK: Discussions with Government, Meeting with Select Committee MP’s, Government Science and Society Consultation, Science Centre Marketing and PR Forum, Evidence of what we do, 2008 Membership fees and the Ecsite conference
NEWS FROM ECSITE EUROPE: Gruntvig - Training programme
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR: Museums and Galleries Month (MGM2008), Does your science centre work with scientists?
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS: First Space Academy to open in Leicester
RESOURCES: Communicating Astronomy with the Public Journal, Enquiring Minds practical guidebook, International indicators of science and the public
VITAL STATISTICS: Trust in scientists
WELCOME
A very warm welcome to our March newsletter
Over the past month Nick Winterbotham and myself met with Ian Pearson, The Minister of State for Science and Innovation, to discuss the issues of funding for our sector; with MPs, to consider the way forward following the Government Response to the Select Committee Report; and with civil servants within the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, to help shape their new Science and Society Strategy. Details are below.
For many of our members we are entering one of the busiest times of year (weather permitting!) following half-term with National Science and Engineering Week, Brain Awareness Week, Easter, the close of the financial year and the Spring School holidays all in the next 6 weeks.
We wish all our centres well with their projects and operations during this busy time.
Dr Penny Fidler, Director of Ecsite-uk
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 1
Discussions with Government
On 12 February Nick and myself met with Ian Pearson to discuss opportunities for future funding and partnerships between the Government and the UK’s science and discovery centres.
We discussed the need for a strong champion for science centres within the DIUS, and our desire for Government recognition and endorsement of the fundamental role we play as a sector in the National STEM agenda. We also discussed the possibility of us developing a science centre-related charter mark.
As things stand there is no immediate promise of major long-term Government revenue funding for all UK science centres. However the Ecsite-uk team are continually pressing for an appropriate level of funding from Government and will continue discussing opportunities for this with the departments.
Meeting with Select Committee MP’s
On 29 January, Nick Winterbotham and myself met with MPs Mr Phil Willis and Dr Brian Iddon. Phil Willis chairs the new Innovation, Universities and Skills Committee (that grew from the Select Committee on Science and Technology) and was Chair of the Select Committee at the time of our inquiry. Brian Iddon was also a member of the Select Committee and is now a member of the new Committee.
Both MPs were extremely supportive of the varied work of science centres, and both have visited or take an active role with member centres. We applaud their efforts and support at the inquiry, in the report and at other times. We discussed the opportunities for parliamentary involvement and support at all levels. This naturally included funding, but in particular included the desire for prominent Government endorsement and recognition of the huge opportunity science centres represent for the future of science in the UK. Amongst other things, the need for us as science centres to raise our profile within Parliament and Government became apparent.
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 2
Government Science and Society Consultation
On behalf of the science and discovery centre sector Ecsite-uk, along with other STEM providers, took part in the DIUS consultation to shape the new Government Science and Society strategy. The four key areas focussed on were ‘Exciting, Enriching, Enhancing and Empowering’ with questions raised about how we might measure success in science engagement.
The DIUS will inform us shortly of the revised publication date for their draft strategy. At this time they will be asking for comments from our sector.
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 3
Science Centre Marketing and PR Forum
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 hold the first UK Science Centre Marketing and PR Forum in the early Summer. Please email us at marketing@ecsite-uk.net if you might be interested in being part of this, and feel free to give us your thoughts on the topic for the first meeting. Suggestions so far include Education audience development, Marketing to groups or Digital media marketing.
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 4
Evidence of what we do
Across the UK, science and discovery centres and science museums do amazing work with an astounding variety of people and communities. However, we don’t yet have robust evidence to say that 80% of our centres offer science CPD to teachers, or 100% offer curriculum-linked resources for students. We are therefore working closely with the DIUS to create a simple on-line tool that will enable us to easily collect evidence of the fabulous work happening across the nation. We are also producing a report which will give a national picture of what the science centres do, as well as providing national evidence that we hope will be of use for your future funding proposals. The report will be launched at the start of April, and the on-line benchmarking tool later in the spring.
NEWS FROM ECSITE-UK 5
2008 Membership fees and the Ecsite conference
Invoices for 2008 membership will be with you next week.
The Ecsite conference this year is in Hungary on 29 – 31 May. Early bird registration for the conference closes on 15 March. If you wish to take advantage of the Early bird registration as a member (in advance of us receiving your membership renewal) you will need to email membership@ecsite-uk.net agreeing that we will receive your 2008 membership fee in full by 15 April 2008. (Reminder: this fee is for membership of BOTH Ecsite-uk and Ecsite Europe).
Early bird conference registration for members is 415 Euros, and for Non-members 550 Euros.
NEWS FROM ECSITE EUROPE
Gruntvig - Training programme
Grant opportunity: Gruntvig is Action 3 of the European Union's programme in the field of education, Socrates. Through Gruntvig the European Union provides funding to promote exchanges of experiences at the development of a European dimension in all sectors of adult education. The Ecsite Annual Conference is accredited as one of the training opportunities for individuals that are involved in science education.
To find more about the grant visit the Comenius-Gruntvig database, the reference number for the grant is: "BE-2008-091-001", or go to
ec.europa.eu/education/trainingdatabase/... to see the detailed information.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 1
Museums and Galleries Month (MGM2008)
Museums and Galleries Month is the UK’s biggest celebration of museums and galleries. MGM2008 introduces a special focus on arts this year, through a new programme designed to encourage museums and artists to work together in innovative and surprising ways. The month kicks off with the Welcome Weekend (Friday 2 – Monday 5 May), when museums and galleries will offer a personal welcome to new and returning visitors. A series of Museums and Galleries Month debates will also take place throughout the month, highlighting issues on theme of ‘Ideas and Innovation’.
Museums and Galleries Month is organised by The Campaign for Museums, a registered charity, and is supported by the Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) through Renaissance. The MGM arts programme has been funded by Arts Council England.
For the latest information log on to www.mgm.org.uk;
nearer the time search for events on www.culture24.org.uk
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR 2
Does your science centre work with scientists?
Why not encourage them to apply for a 2008 BA Media Fellowship. They get the opportunity to spend 3-8 weeks on a placement working within media organisations such as The Times, The Guardian and BBC Radio. They can hone their skills and explore how science becomes news, and return to celebrate the multitude of ways that scientists can work with the public.
For further information and an online application form visit:
www.the-ba.net/mediafellows
Application deadline: 31 March 2008
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
First Space Academy to open in Leicester
The UK’s first Space Academy has been given the go ahead thanks a grant of £990,000 from the East Midlands Development Agency (emda). The aim of the academy is to provide “education programmes, summer space schools, road- shows and conferences, built around schools’ curricula in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) using space as the inspirational hook”.
The National Space Centre in Leicester, in partnership with the University of Leicester, the University of Nottingham, the Regional Science Learning Centre for the East Midlands and STEMNET, will set up the new Space Academy.
The focus of the Space Academy will be to:
- deliver space-related STEM education programmes linked to the national science curriculum for learners from secondary school up to college and university;
- link with employers, with particular focus on the space and aerospace sectors in the region;
- provide educational resources and training opportunities for teachers and educators that fit the national STEM agenda and the new STEM curriculum.
For more details contact Malika Andress: malikaa@spacecentre.co.uk,
or visit
www.emda.org.uk/news/newsreturn.asp?fileno=3335
RESOURCES 1
Communicating Astronomy with the Public Journal
Issue 2 of The Communicating Astronomy with the Public Journal is now available online at:
www.capjournal.org/issues/02
The next deadline for articles, adverts, reviews etc is 15 March. Please visit the submission guidelines for further details at:
www.capjournal.org/submission.php
RESOURCES 2
Enquiring Minds practical guidebook
Futurelab’s groundbreaking Enquiring Minds programme, an exciting project conducted in partnership with Microsoft, has published a FREE practical guidebook aimed at enabling teachers to implement the practices in their own schools. This programme places children at the centre of the education process as owners of their own learning, and creates a new relationship between children and teachers.
The Enquiring Minds Guidebook and Research Report are available for free to download from www.enquiringminds.org.uk or from www.futurelab.org.uk.
Printed copies of the Guidebook are also available.
RESOURCES 3
International indicators of science and the public
The Royal Society's Science in Society programme hosted a two day workshop from 5-6 November 2007 on international indicators of public engagement with science.
A short report of the key issues discussed at this workshop has been produced. This is available online along with the workshop programme and delegate biographies at:
royalsociety.org/page.asp?tip=1&id=7200.
Please note this report has been written to reflect the key issues that emerged during the workshop and is not necessarily an expression of the views of the Royal Society.
VITAL STATISTICS
Trust in scientists
How much do people trust scientists? And are scientists more trustworthy than doctors? Or politicians? What about government scientists?
The market research company Ipsos MORI has been interviewing 2,000 adults in the UK every year to find out.
The good news is that trust in scientists has been increasing over the last 10 years. The bad news is that nearly 1 in 6 of us think scientists don't tell the truth - 1 in 8 aren't sure if they do.
The profession we put our trust in most - Doctors - do best with 92% thinking they tell the truth. Journalists fare worst at 19%.
Visit the ‘Opinion of Professions’ section of the Ipsos MORI website to find out more:
www.ipsos-mori.com
DIARY DATES
National Science and Engineering Week (NSEW): 7 – 16 March 2008
Online events programme
Throughout NSEW, thousands of people use the BA’s online events system to look for events, activities, shows and exhibitions to attend. The programme is also used to highlight events for national and regional press and media enquiries. www.the-ba.net/NSEW Make sure your events don’t miss out by registering them online at www.the-ba.net/nsewevents
the Big Question
As part of NSEW this year, the BA is currently challenging the public to pose the most difficult, profound and perplexing questions about science and engineering. During the week, they will be answering a range of these questions online and in a series of live events across the UK. [archived page - link removed]
ESRC Festival of Social Science
7 – 16 March
ESRC’s Festival of Social Science programme is now available at: www.esrcfestival.ac.uk. The Festival is part of National Science and Engineering Week (NSEW) and focuses on research with a social science perspective.
This year the Festival offers over 90 events in more locations throughout the UK than ever before. There’s something for all ages – from academic presentations to exhibitions, film screenings, public debates, online activities and even some hands-on experimentation.
GEM One Day Conference - Learning Outside the Classroom: a turning point in heritage education
London: 14 March 2008
This conference will address some of the big issues surrounding Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC), and will focus on:
• explaining the LOtC Manifesto in the context of broader government policy
• highlighting the role of LOtC in the new curriculum
• giving real examples of the positive impact of LOtC on young people
• providing an update on the LOtC Manifesto and its implementation.
Latest information and booking forms for the conference can be found on the GEM website at:
www.gem.org.uk/lotc/lotc_14mar08_conf/lotc_14mar08_intro.html
The Future of Education: Research Discussion Day
RIBA, London: 20 March
An opportunity to find out more about Futurelab's current themes (teachers and innovations, digital inclusion, learning spaces), and to debate the future direction of education with others from across the learning community. Full details can be found at: www.futurelab.org.uk/events/ listing/research_discussion_day.
You can book online at: forms.futurelab.org.uk/booking,
or request a booking form by e-mailing: events@futurelab.org.uk.
Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto - Natural Environment Sector Workshop
London Wetland Centre, London: 25 March
For further information contact: marion@field-studies-council.org. (Bookings for this meeting must be made by on Wednesday 18 March).
For further information about the Natural Environment Sector Partnership visit:
www.teachernet.gov.uk/...
Communicating the Beauty of Science
Edinburgh: 25 – 30 March
Communicating the Beauty of Science is a five-day residential science communication seminar organised by the British Council and directed by Quentin Cooper. The event is aimed primarily at an international audience of science communicators; however, a limited number of places are open to UK participants.
For further information, including an application form, please visit:
www.britishcouncil.org/seminars-science-0710.htm
or e-mail: BCV-Department@britishcouncil.org
The BIG Science Festivals Workshop
Science Oxford: 26 March
The BIG Science Festivals Workshop will be held on 26 March, 2008 at Science Oxford. This is a one day session for Science Festival directors and senior members of planning staff, with an emphasis on sharing solutions and establishing better coordination across the UK.
The schedule will include:
- an opportunity to examine festival structures – whether independent or hosted by universities, science centres, or other;
- discussions of current, emerging and unexpected funding streams;
- facilitated opportunities to survey the group for input and to share best practice;
- time to examine opportunities to work together and share resources.
Participants will be asked to contribute and help shape the agenda of the day in order to best suit the needs of all participants.
Cost: £30 (+ BIG membership if you are not already a member)
For registration or further programme information please contact Savita Custead at: Savita@bnhc.org.uk
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:
www.the-ba.net/ScienceCommunicationConference
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.
Registration for the Ecsite conference opens on 14 February, and Early Bird registration closes on 15 March 2008.
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
Call for papers - all submissions should be emailed to scienceandpublic@googlemail.com by Friday 14 March 2008. Any enquiries should also be sent to this e-mail address.
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
For more information about the event and registrations details visit: www.big.uk.com/events
Ecsite-uk
Dr Louise Webb
Ecsite-uk: the Network of Science Centres and Museums
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