What got me, among other things, was the suggestion in one comment that Singh should be “applying his intellect and effort into getting more money for STEM across the board”.
Classic diversionary tactic. Don't deal with the issue, go off on a tangent.
My response is that such a call to arms would be great were we not living under a government that sees the cost of everything and the value of nothing. The idea that it will put more money into PEST work is wishful thinking.
So you have to think how best to spend the money you have got.
In any case, even if there were more money, it would still be a good idea to consider where you want to put it: £30,000 ballet or £3000 school work.
Does it come down to evaluation after the activity? At its simplest £/”victim reached”.
MK
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Francis Sedgemore
Sent: 17 October 2015 09:20
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Simon Singh criticises wasteful spending in science outreach | Times Higher Education
It is a useful exercise from Singh, and one guaranteed to rankle.
The problem is that the specific targets of sharp criticism will be questioned, in some cases rightly so, and the ensuing argument can so easily detract from the core issue under discussion. Also, at the same time as criticising wasteful spending, one should look at the metrics used to evaluate the effectiveness of outreach projects. Such critical scrutiny of grant-funded projects in science communication is essential, and the underlying methodology must be robust. There is always room for improvement.
If one can demonstrate that some expensive science outreach projects are naff, such efforts will (hopefully) no longer be funded. This approach works reasonably well with research funding.
Francis
--Dr Francis Sedgemore
journalist, writer and recovering physicist
telephone: +44 7840 191336
website: sedgemore.com
twitter: @hesgen
On 16 Oct 15, at 22:16, Michael Kenward <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
“The best forms of public engagement tend to be ‘dirt cheap’ and profitable, says author”
or
Discuss.
MK
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