Attention all UCLan researchers!
Fancy having a go at some public engagement?
Maybe getting a bit of funding to support it?
And access to professional development too?
What are you waiting for?
Apply now to be a Catalyst
More information can be found here Catalysts call
So this week we held our first informal, drop-in discussion forum around public and community engagement, which was so well attended we ran out of seats- fantastic. Great to see that UCLan is engaged with the idea of engagement 
Fuelled by coffee, rocky road cake and mini gingerbread men, the forum generated some super new ideas and interesting and provocative feedback on EngageUCLan’s plans for implementing the Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research. We even managed to match make some ideas with skills on the ‘lonely hearts board’. Move over Cilla (now I’m showing my age).
Watch this space for more on plans for a STEM Women Photoshoot and the next Lancashire Science Festival, which is going EXTREME for 2013
Right…
I’ve been the ‘public engagement person’ for a little while now, and things are going well. Our researchers are really getting into the spirit of public engagement, in all its many shapes and sizes. Some highlights:
It would be fair to say that there is some real momentum now. So I’m pleased to open up the Engage UCLan forum. An informal drop-in session, on a Wednesday afternoon, for conversation over coffee and cake. All welcome to discuss anything at all around public and community engagement. Yes, I did say there would be cake.
Tweet me if you want to come along @microjology
I’ll post a synopsis of the discussion here.
The Lancashire Science Festival is a fun-packed, free event taking place at the University of Central Lancashire. The event features maths comedy, dancing robots, rock-guitar physics, a science showfloor of hands-on activities and much much more. We need volunteers to help with
We are looking for enthusiastic, friendly and professional individuals who will help to make the event a success.
Further information about the event programme can be found at www.lancashiresciencefestival.com
To volunteer download and return this form Volunteer Information Form
Calling all real ale enthusiasts! Lancashire-based artist and UCLan MA student David Henckel, along with Arkwright’s Brewery, has produced an ale in celebration of the 2012 Transit of Venus. Based on a recipe from the 1700s, the 7.1% IPA is sure to go down a treat during a spot of stargazing. More info here http://davidhenckel.com/?page_id=21
Wow! It’s been a lot of work but we are pleased to announce that booking is now open for the inaugural three-day Lancashire Science Festival!
Head to www.lancashiresciencefestival.com to book your tickets for this FREE event on Saturday 30th June at the University of Central Lancashire
The line-up includes
Stand-up mathematician Matt Parker
Natural history musical Amoeba to Zebra
Guitar Physicist Mark Lewney
UCLan’s very own engineering superhero Matt Dickinson
A showfloor of exciting activity featuring the Society for General Microbiology, the Science and Technology Facilities Council, Crown Paints, United Utilities and NIS Ltd, plus much more.
As part of the Lancashire Science Festival 2012, we are pleased to offer free workshops to local schools during National Science and Engineering Week
The Science of Superheroes.
Do we have the technology to create a Wolverine? Has science got the know-how to produce a Spiderman? How many superpowers can now be brought to life in the lab? UCLan’s Matt Dickinson explores the science of the superhero to determine if this is all just science fiction, or actually science fact.
This interactive session is suitable for children aged 8+, can cater for audiences of up to 80 and will last for 90 minutes including time for questions and discussion. Please note the workshop includes clips of films rated PG and a projector and screen is required.
Matt is available to visit local schools on 13th March and 20th March, between 13:00- 15:00
Schools are invited to join us at UCLan’s Preston campus on 16th March from 13:30-14:30
Please contact lancscifestATuclan.ac.uk to book places, which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
