Unfortunately I could not attend the sciBAR and the only information I have
about it is what I have read on psci-com.
On reading Andy Boddington's report a few things come to ming. The sciBAR
sounds like an interesting concept and in theory could be a good method of
bringing science to the public through non-science venues. It is
encouraging to hear from Andy's report that there were roughly equal numbers
of men and women present and also that there was a good representation of
under 30's.
However it would be interesting to know more details about people's
backgrounds and their motivation for attending. Andy mentioned that at
least 12 were from science communication backgrounds and a further 15 were
scientists. Did the remaining people provide a fair representation of the
general public or were they also closely connected to science networks?
This may be something to think about for any future sciBARs. Simply
providing non-science venues may not be enough to provide good airing of
public views. Will the same old science circuit regulars make up the
majority of the audience or is there a need to actively welcome the public
into these events?
It would also be interesting to know whether the tone of the evening was
academic. If so, a less formal tone may be better suited to such an event
and may also help to encourage better contribution from the public. From
Andy's report only 18 people (23% of those present) contributed to the
debate and 8 of those had detailed scientific knowledge.
Regards
Aebhin Cawley
Education Officer
Science Communication International Ltd.
Zochonis Building
Campus Ventures Centre
The University of Manchester
Oxford Rd
Manchester
M13 9PL
Tel: -44-161-2768343 Fax: -44-161-2735111
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask]
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Eric Albone
Sent: 16 November 2000 14:02
To: [log in to unmask]; Psci-Com (E-mail)
Subject: Re: sciBAr:
Excellent to hear from Andy Boddington how well the sciBAr debate clearly
went. This kind of open discussion is exactly what is needed across the
country, in all kinds of "non-science" venues.
This is very much the kind of thing we are promoting with some success
through St Mary Redcliffe Journey into Science in Bristol (see "Making
Dialogue Happen", article in SPA, October 2000) and there is a real need to
share experience in this area. It really is an important way forward.
Eric Albone
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