11.30 Session 1: Citizenship and science The first session of the conference will address the theme citizenship, which is reflected throughout the conference (consultations, reaching new audiences, different perspectives, inclusiveness). The session will specifically discuss the role of citizens in helping shape policy and research agendas and will provide an example of ways in which citizen voices can be heard in an open exchange.
14.15 Session 2: ‘Science in society’ consultation The BA was commissioned to recommend a process to assess whether the wide range of science communication activities across the UK is meeting the needs and interests of the public and to support collaborations and networking among the organisations involved in these activities. An overview of the OST’s response to the BA’s report will be provided prior to an open discussion, which will be summarised and fed into the OST’s consultation process.
14.30 Discussion Read the summary (pdf 84KB) submitted to the OST as part of the consultation process
15.30 Refreshments
16.00 Session 3: Different perspectives The three speakers presenting in this session are each involved in dealing with different perspectives: consultation processes, representation in mass media, and inclusion of lay expertise. The session will focus on how issues in contemporary science, how they are communicated and how different perspectives—both expert and lay expert—are reported, expressed and shared among different stakeholders and publics.
10.15 Session 4: Inclusiveness – reaching new audiences with new approaches The science communication community is aware of the need to broaden participation and are actively attempting to reach new audiences. How are other communities addressing inclusiveness? This session will reflect the work and strategies of other organisations and those recommended by the Campaign for Racial Equality.
10.35 Discussion with panel joined by Liz Rasekoala - African Caribbean Network for Science and Technology (ACNST)
11.00 Introduction to workshops and details of breakout rooms
11.05 Refreshments
11.30 Session 5: Parallel Workshops
Dr Liz Rasekoala - ACNST The black hole in science communication (pdf 36KB) Dr Rasekoala will introduce the Race Relations Amended Act (RRAA), highlight its implications and foster discussion on how the science communication community can facilitate a sustainable framework for the enhancement of race equality in science communication.
Lorelly Wilson - North West Science Alliance Regional Collaboration for more effective delivery (pdf 26KB) The North West Science Alliance (NWSA) was recently established to bring together the many organisations in the region who work to raise the profile of science. The workshop will highlight NWSA as a collaborative model and provide opportunities for regionally based organisations or organisations with regional structures to discuss the aims of regional collaboration, how to bring people together, who to involve and when, the advantages, possible pitfalls and problems, and case studies of successful outcomes.
Dr Fiona Barbagallo - The BA & Dr Gail Cardew - The Royal Institution What role can the science communication community play in consultations? (pdf 56KB) The workshop will explore how we can be involved at all sorts of levels in consultation processes, ranging from organising a formal consultation process to linking an event to another's consultation. The audience will break into groups and will be asked to consider the following key points: dealing with different agendas; finding out about key report, draft bills and consultation processes; determining the right time to get involved; and exploring what is realistic for us to do. The workshop will end with suggestions on the best way to move forward.
1.00 Lunch
Chair: Professor Helen Haste Department of Psychology, University of Bath
14.30 Session 6: Issues involving science that we might communicate The final session will identify upcoming scientific areas and reflect on public issues surrounding past and present scientific developments. This session aims to end the conference by horizon scanning for important issues for the science communication community to engage with.