Have you seen the NESTA report evaluating the Planet Science Outreach programme?

http://www.planet-science.com/sciteach/outreach/pdfs/Outreach.pdf

Quoting Murphy Glenn <[log in to unmask]>:

> Dear All
>
> Does anybody know of any research or data resources relating to learning
> outcomes following "Outreach" type science shows and demonstrations?
>
> Specifically, I'm looking to quantify the effects of "one-off" or
> "hit-and-run" style shows (i.e. outreach staff visit a school once to
> deliver a science show, and don't return) vs. repeat visits or sustained
> relationships with schools. Intuitively, we know the latter is more
> effective in terms of learning, engagement and inspiration...but I'm looking
> for any concrete evidence (feedback, evaluations, formal studies, research)
> of this.
>
> Can anyone point me in the right direction? Any and all help appreciated.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Glenn Murphy
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: psci-com: on public engagement with science
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Keir, Scott
> Sent: 29 June 2006 11:29
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [PSCI-COM] Factors affecting science communication: a survey of
> scientists and engineers
>
> Dear all (with apologies for cross-posting)
>
> The final report of "Factors affecting science communication: a survey
> of scientists and engineers" is published today at
> http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/survey
>
> The "Factors affecting science communication" study was commissioned by
> the Royal Society, with support from Research Councils UK and the
> Wellcome Trust, to examine the views and experience of UK scientists and
> engineers with regard to science communication and public engagement.
>
> The study emerged in direct response to the BA/Royal Society Science
> Communication Conference in 2004, which produced several strategic
> recommendations to promote public engagement with science. The survey
> will be discussed in depth at a session at the 2006 BA/Royal Society
> Science Communication Conference.
>
> Highlights:
> (taken from the press release at
> http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/news.asp?id=4861 )
>
> According to the scientists surveyed for the report the pressure to
> publish research, attract funding to their departments and build careers
> on 'hard research' means public engagement work, such as debates,
> dialogues or exhibitions, media appearances or outreach activities with
> schools, is not a priority. The need to spend more time on research was
> the top reason, cited by 64 per cent of respondents, stopping scientists
> getting more engaged with science communication work.
>
> Scientists highlighted that public engagement activities were seen by
> colleagues as being bad for their careers. Some said that it was seen as
> being done by those who were 'not good enough' for an academic career,
> that it was 'light' or 'fluffy' and risked reinforcing negative
> stereotypes for women involved in these activities.
>
> However, in spite of this, 45 per cent of respondents said that they
> would like to spend more time engaging with the non-specialist public
> about science. 74 per cent of those surveyed reported that they have
> taken part in at least one science communication or public engagement
> activity in the past 12 months.
>
> The study found that generally, younger researchers, those in
> departments rated 5*' by the RAE, and those in research-only
> appointments, undertook less public engagement activity compared with
> senior researchers, those in departments rated 1-5 under the RAE and
> those in research and teaching positions.
>
> In general, respondents to the survey felt that their participation in
> science communication activities would be increased more through rewards
> to their departments rather than to themselves as individuals. 81 per
> cent of scientists said bringing more money into their departments would
> be a key incentive. And 56 per cent of respondents said that awards or
> prizes for departments were important, in contrast to 39 per cent who
> identified awards for individuals as being important. Additionally, 76
> per cent said they would be encouraged to get more involved if it helped
> their careers.
>
>
> The aim of the study was to provide evidence for funding organisations,
> universities and other research institutions on which they can base a
> workable system to reward scientists for their efforts to become
> involved with public engagement activities. It involved a web-survey of
> 1485 research scientists in higher education institutions and 41 more
> detailed interviews with a cross section of respondents and other key
> players within science policy and science communication  such as social
> scientists, senior managers, funders and science communicators.
>
> The key findings from the survey and interviews and the conclusions and
> recommendations of the Consultative Group are outlined in the report of
> the study, launched today. You can download the final report, the
> evidence and the raw data from the Royal Society website:
> http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/survey
>
> Best wishes
>
> Scott
>
> Scott Keir
> Science in Society Officer
>
> tel  +44 (0)20 7451 2513
> fax +44 (0)20 7930 2170
> web http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk
>
> The Royal Society
> 6-9 Carlton House Terrace
> London SW1Y 5AG
>
> Registered Charity No 207043
> The Royal Society - excellence in science
>
> Visit the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, 3-6 July 2006 -
> http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/exhibition
> Your chance to meet the scientists behind the cutting-edge science and
> technology of the future.
>
>
>
>
>
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