This November we are hosting FUTURES2020, a Festival of Discovery in collaboration with the Bath Spa University, University of Bristol, University of Exeter and University of Plymouth, as part of European Researchers’ Night, funded by the European Commission. As part of the programme of events in Bath, we are looking for researchers to take part in some exciting activities to share their research.
Taking research to the people
This year for FUTURES, we'll be heading out from campus and taking research directly to the people with a programme of digital activities, hands-on experiments, science shows, games, quizzes, competitions, and exhibitions. FUTURES2020 will be taking place on Friday 27, and Saturday 28 November 2020 and we have several opportunities for researchers interested in sharing their research and developing their public engagement skills.
Science Busking
We are taking research to the Southgate Shopping Centre in the centre of Bath with Science Busking. Science Busking is an informal and interactive way to share science and engineering research by developing and delivering simple demonstrations and experiments. It's an effective way to develop your communication skills and by popping up in unlikely locations is a great opportunity to meet people who may not usually seek out science events and activities.
Science Showoff
Science and comedy might seem like a strange mix. Still, Science Showoff is an evening like no other where researchers share the lighter side of their work, proving that science can be just as funny as any other topic over a nine-minute comedy 'set'. Hosted by professional comedian Steve Cross, Science Showoff is a fun evening of science, jokes, stories and laughter where people will have a chance to discover more about research and get an insight into life as a researcher at the University of Bath.
Walking with Scientists
Walking With Scientists is a guided walking tour of Bath with a difference. Working with theatre company Kilter Theatre, Walking with Scientists is part walking tour, part promenade theatre show taking people on a unique tour of the city connect Bath's rich science history to current research taking place across the University of Bath. Researchers deliver a 5 - 10-minute talks about their research at locations related to their area of study.
Develop your public engagement skills
If you are interested in participating in FUTURES2020 we are also offering a range of training and professional development opportunities to develop your public engagement skills including:
- Science comedy training with Science Showoff founder Steve Cross and tailored 121 guidance and advice
- Science Busking workshops with Science Made Simple develop techniques and activities to catching the attention of an audience and explaining science simply
- Creative storytelling with professional storyteller Clare Murphy to develop and improve your presentation and communication skills focusing on helping make your research accessible and impactful. (This training is delivered by FUTURES2020 partner the University of Bristol, please email diane.thorne@bristol.ac.uk by Friday 7 August to take part)
Get involved
If you'd like to participate in any of these FUTURES2020 programmes, drop Dean Veall (dwv20@bath.ac.uk) an email by Friday 28 August 2020.
Dean Veall is Deputy Head of Public Engagement at the University of Bath.
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