This seems like a good idea we are professional science communicators who
have worked with and for thousands of people over 5yrs but have never worked
with a scientist to help them develop and deliver their message. I know we
could help, so yes if this goes ahead please sign us up.
Best Wishes
Mark Walton
Hands on Science Ltd
Bringing Science to Life
07710 087259
www.hands-on-science.co.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Victoria Herridge
Sent: 07 October 2011 11:42
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [PSCI-COM] 'pathways to impact'
Dear all,
I've recently been pondering the 'pathway to impacts' section of NERC
funding applications (I'm sure there are equivalent sections in other RC
apps; NERC is just the body I am familiar with). From discussing with
colleagues/friends (scientists) this is a section that proposal writers
struggle with, and thus is often something of an afterthought, which is a
shame. I don't think a well thought-ought science project would be made, or
broken by its PtI, but it seems a shame that the opportunity for funding for
impact strategies isn't made the most of.
A key issue seems to that the scientists (who have concieved the project and
are writing the proposal) lack existing experience/network of contacts with
people who understand the best strategies to achieve impact. This is
especially true for early-stage researchers (like myself) who are writing
fellowship apps, working in fields that are more 'blue-skies' in subject
matter (e.g. I'm less likely to have had industry contacts). Thus we have
some enthusiasm, and vague ideas of trying to increase impact of our work,
but also sneaking suspicion that our approach might be naive and
ineffective. This make PtI feel like a burden, rather than an opportunity.
I am wondering if there is any scope/enthusiasm for trying to set up a
sort-of one-stop-shop 'matchmaking' scheme between scientists, and science
policy and science communication people, to feed in at the grant proposal
writing stages. E.g. scientist had a project idea, goes to website, uploads
short list of their envisaged impact areas (perhaps these could be broadly
pre-defined...?); sci policy/sci comm peeps interested in to areas get email
notification, and if they want they can contact scientists with expression
of interest of being involved in helping develop PtI on a way that achieves
ends. As there is grant budget available, this wouldn't need to be
completely altruistic on part of the second person!
This is just a vague idea in my head, so I wanted to test out people
reactions. It just seems silly to me that this RC money isn't used
effectively, especially as funding becomes more scarce...
I'd love to hear your thoughts
Thanks
Tori
---
Dr. Victoria Herridge
Department of Palaeontology
Natural History Museum
London
SW7 5BD
tel. +44 (0)20 7942 5477
[log in to unmask]
[log in to unmask]
skype: victoriaherridge
follow me on Twitter: @ToriHerridge
my research: http://tinyurl.com/medidwarf (click on the Mediterranean)
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