Reasons to engage in science communication and public outreach

Science outreach

Science outreach can encompass anything at all which brings science to those who may not usually encounter it.

It’s a great way to share your research and passion for your field and is often encouraged or even required by funding bodies and research councils. But why is it so important? And why should you get involved?

Benefits to the public

Outreach can be used as a platform to demonstrate why your research is important, to improve public attitudes towards science and to reassure that public funds are being put to good use. It can give the public an appreciation of what research is and what it involves.

Not only that, but outreach breaks down the barriers between science and the general public, making science more accessible and inclusive, as well as helping to dismiss common misconceptions. It can encourage people to be inquisitive and search for reliable answers and sources of information.  

Inspiring the next generation of scientists

Most people probably picture an Einstein-esque figure when asked to imagine a scientist.  It’s vital to dispel that stereotype and highlight that science can be for anyone and is all around us.

Think back to what enthused and inspired you to take an interest in science. Perhaps it was a trip to a science museum, a TV documentary, a person (David Attenborough, Brian Cox, Bill Nye?) – all of which are examples of science outreach.

Maybe you could be the person to open up a world of science to a budding young mind.

Skills in communication

As well as being beneficial to the public and wider community, science communication also allows you to hone your skills and practice interacting with a whole range of different audiences.

Research often comes hand-in-hand with teaching requirements (whether that’s demonstrating to undergraduates or showing the lab newcomer how to use a piece of equipment). However, it’s also important to be able to interact and discuss with non-specialised individuals. Public engagement requires you to think about what your message is, how best to convey it and how to pitch it at an appropriate level for your target audience (in an interesting and engaging manner!). It may even help you to understand your own research better and gain new perspectives.

Being able to adeptly communicate your knowledge to others is an incredibly valuable asset to have - transferable and applicable to any walk of life. Time spent honing these skills will certainly not be wasted, and you can have fun in the process, so what are you waiting for?!

Get involved

Science outreach comes in a multitude of different shapes and sizes, so there are plenty of opportunities to find something to suit you.

From science festivals to talks, workshops, busking, YouTube videos and more! If you’re particularly creative, perhaps making a song and dance about your research is exactly what’s needed!

Here are some useful links and examples of events you can get involved in:

• Three minute thesis (3MT)
• STEM ambassadors
• I’m a scientist get me out of here
• BIG – STEM communicators network
• National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE)
• Festivals

1. British Science Festival
2. Cheltenham Science Festival
3. The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair

•    PubhD – Science in the pub!
•    Pint of Science
•    Café Scientifique
•    British Science Association – The BSA host lots of activities nationwide, especially during British Science Week and have many local branches.
•    University of Nottingham YouTube channels:

1. Periodic videos
2. Sixty symbols

 Amanda Lewis

Amanda Lewis has been involved in various science outreach events, activities, and festivals, and is currently secretary for the Nottingham branch of the British Science Association. She co-ordinated ‘Science in the Park 2016’ which was a huge event attracting over 6000 people and allowing more than 20 exhibitors to present their activities to the public.