NCCPE Newsletter #4
It’s been an exciting start of the year at the National Co-ordinating Centre and we are keen to share some of the things we have been doing and invite you to get involved.
Engaging Citizens: Research, Media and the Public
On 16 March in Milton Keynes, this free workshop aims to stimulate discussion about the role of the media in engaging the public with research. With keynote speakers Tristram Hunt, Mary Beard and Martin Davidson and case studies detailing innovative approaches to this topic, the workshop will provide opportunities for people to explore potential partnerships in the future. Places are limited so do register your interest asap.
NCCPE National Conference
In London on 7/8 December, our first national conference will explore the role of public engagement in HEIs. We are currently looking for workshop proposals.
REF Consultation
Thank you to the many people who joined us to think through the opportunities and issues posed by the HEFCE REF consultation. You can find out about our workshop, and read our response to the consultation on our website.
Science for All
The NCCPE and the Beacons have been actively involved in the Science for All discussions. The report is now published and many of the recommendations align with work we are already doing.
ESRC/NCCPE Call for Research Syntheses
We are soon to launch a call for proposals to do a literature review on Audience Segmentation Models. If this is something you would like to contribute to keep an eye on our news pages where we will announce the call.
Public Engagement Network
Are you interested in joining an online network of people passionate about public engagement and higher education institutions? The PEN is an open forum to raise news, issues and opportunities for discussion. The NCCPE will be posting up news digests every couple of weeks to this list and hopefully encouraging many others to contribute.
Case Studies
We are currently looking for case studies of public engagement in practice. If you have a project that you could share with others, please get in contact. You can either fill in a short form or we can arrange for someone to come and interview you. You can read some of the case studies submitted so far on our website.
Bang Goes the Theory
Back on our screens this March, the NCCPE and the Beacons will once again be supporting Bang Goes the Theory by answering science questions posed by the public. In addition the Bang roadshow will be touring over the summer and is looking for students to help at the event. Venues are still being confirmed but may include Manchester (this March), Edinburgh, Nottingham, Hartlepool, Bournemouth, Great Yarmouth, Plymouth, London, Southend and Bangor. If you could help recruit volunteers please get in touch.
Beacon News: UCL Bright Club
Bright Club is the thinking person's variety night, blending comedy, music, art, new writing, science, performance, and anything else that can happen on a stage. Run by the UCL Public Engagement Unit in collaboration with One Green Firework productions, Bright Club aims to bring UCL researchers together with a new audience, primarily 20-40 year olds who have no existing relationship with academia. Why not try it out on 16 March where the theme is Crime.
Viewpoint
Professor Mary Bownes is Vice Principal (Pro-VC) at the University of Edinburgh with responsibility in postgraduate affairs, widening participation, recruitment, admission, scholarships, community relations and social responsibility and sustainability. She believes that public engagement with research is one of those things where, if done well, everyone wins.
