What is National Science & Engineering Week?

National Science & Engineering Week is a 10-day programme of around 4500 events running throughout the whole of the UK with the aim of celebrating science, engineering and technology and its importance in our lives. With no restrictions on who can organise events, the topics on which they are focused, the audience or the venue, the resulting programme is a hugely varied and eclectic mix suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

What are the dates?

From 15-24th March 2013.

Who organises National Science & Engineering Week?

National Science & Engineering Week is coordinated by the British Science Association and is funded by BIS (Department for Business Innovation and Skills). In 2006, the British Science Association began working in partnership with EngineeringUK to specifically increase the awareness of the contribution of engineering to our society through the week, now around 40% of events have an engineering theme.

National Science & Engineering Week events are organised by people from all walks of life; teachers, community groups, industry and many more. All of our organisers share an enthusiastic approach to science, engineering and technology and the continuing success of National Science & Engineering Week depends entirely on the incredible efforts of the organisers and the enthusiasm of participants. National Science & Engineering Week events can be organised by anyone.

Why should I take part?

Organisers tend to have their own unique reasons and benefits for taking part, sometimes it is that they wish to use the additional publicity that they can generate by being part of the week, others just like being part of such a large project. Below is a list of some of the potential benefits of being part of National Science & Engineering Week.

·         listing of your event in the NSEW programme

·         raised profile of organisation or area of science

·         increased publicity by using NSEW as a hook for your event

·         building links with the local community

·         new and/or larger audiences

·         improving organisational and communication skills of staff and volunteers

·         reflects positively on you and your organisation

·         you get to take part in one the largest science experiences in the country…you may be only participating in one small event but NSEW is definitely greater than the sum of its parts!

Can I run an event/activity?

Events and activities within National Science & Engineering Week are organised and run by anyone who wishes to be involved on a voluntary basis. People run events as part of their job, to promote their organisation or a particular subject, or sometimes just for fun!

Anyone who wishes to run an event is wholly welcome and we will do the best to help you get started.

Who are the events targeted at?

Anyone and everyone! The idea behind the programme is to raise awareness, spark enthusiasm and celebrate science, engineering and technology with people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Where do the events take place?

Throughout the whole of the UK. Events take place in a diverse range of locations from museums, schools, colleges, universities and shopping centres to factories, business premises, libraries, scout and guide groups and even hospitals. You name it a National Science & Engineering Week event has been held there.

What sort of event can I run?

There are no strict rules and any format of event is welcome. All we ask is that the event has a science, engineering or technology theme or sub-theme. For example, you could:

·         open up your business or university department for a tour for the public

·         run a series of hands-on exhibits and activities

·         set up interactive displays, demonstrations and investigations

·         host an exhibition, talk or debate

·         challenge your pupils/colleagues/visitors to a quiz or competition

·         run a seminar, conference or workshop

Does National Science & Engineering Week have a theme?

Yes National Science & Engineering Week does have a theme although anyone is free to organise an event along any theme. This year the theme is ‘invention and discovery’. The type of event or activity you run is entirely up to you and would depend on your own personal interests and the resources at your disposal. Your event would also need to be on a science and/or engineering topic (can include the social sciences).

I am planning to organise an event - what should I do?

If you are organising an event for the first time, before you do anything else, please register as an NSEW event organiser.

It is free to register and does not obligate you to run an event later in the year, but it does mean that you will be able to add events to the programme, download resources and that the NSEW team will be able to keep you up-to-date with new information and plans or remind you of upcoming deadlines. We will only send emails once every month or so and you can unsubscribe at any time.

What is the best way for me to find an event partner or speaker?

The best way to find an event partner is to attend one of the many National Science & Engineering Week information sessions. These events are excellent for networking and for finding out what other activities and plans are going on in your area.

www.britishscienceassociation.org/informationsessions

Another great resource is www.sciencelive.net. This is an online directory of science presenters and outreach and is a great start if you are looking for a speaker for your National Science & Engineering Week event.

Where can I find further information, activity ideas and resources?

Take a look at the dedicated section of the British Science Association website www.britishscienceassociation.org/nsewresources where you will find masses of useful information including information on how to run an event, funding opportunities and our range of NSEW Activity Packs.

We can also offer logos, leaflets, posters, stickers and template documents for reaching the media. The online shop offers t-shirts, badges, pencils and science goodies all at cost price.

Can the British Science Association help with my event publicity?

Marketing and publicity for your event is up to the individual organisers, however, all events that are registered will be featured in the National Science & Engineering Week online programme which is promoted across the country. Your event could be included in our regional and national press releases.

Can I download logos to use on my marketing materials?

Yes you can. Logos can be downloaded by logging into the NSEW Organiser’s Area. Please ensure you read the branding guidelines to get the most out of logos available.

Is there funding available to assist with running an event?

The British Science Association co-ordinates our very own Kick-Start Fund which is specifically for schools in challenging circumstances. We also have regional funds in Scotland and Wales. We also produce a guide to find funding. This guide includes an updated list of grants available, ideas on where to look for funding and how to attract sponsorship for your event. You can find this at www.britishscienceassociation.org/nsewresources.

When do I need to let you know about my event plans?

As soon as possible! Once you register as an organiser, events can be registered online at

www.britishscienceassociation.org/nsewstraight away.

We want to hear about all of the National Science & Engineering Week events that are going on around the UK, so even if your event is not open to the public, please do let us know by registering it.

How can I find out what’s happening in my area?

You can find out what is happening in your area from our National Science & Engineering Week online programme at www.britishscienceassociation.org/nsew

Can I contact a member of the NSEW team with any queries?

You can contact a member of the National Science & Engineering Week team at any time by emailing us at nsew@britishscienceassociation.org or by calling 020 7019 4963/37.

Our postal address is:

National Science & Engineering Week

British Science Association

Wellcome Wolfson Building

165 Queen’s Gate

London

SW7 5HD

Can I register for a free e-newsletter?

You can register for a free e-newsletter by registering yourself as an organiser. We will send out information once every month or so and you can unsubscribe at any time.

www.britishscienceassociation.org/nsew