Every year the British Science Association recruit 5 volunteers to organise and run the x-change to gain experience in event management and meet people in the science communication field.

Application to be part of the 2011 team closed on 1 August

What is the x-change?
The x-change brings the public all the highlights of the British Science Festival packed into four fun-filled evening shows. X-change volunteers pick the best 4-6 speakers each day and invite them to give a highlight of their talk. It's a fun event with audience participation, demos and comedy.

In 2011 the x-change presenter will be writer and broadcaster Richard Holligham. Richard was the first dedicated science producer of BBC’s Today programme and presents World Service’s One Planet

When and where is the x-change?
The x-change will be held on Sunday 11th, Monday 12th, Tuesday 13th, and Wednesday 14th September from 18.15-19.30. Volunteers must be available from 10-15 September 2011.
The x-change will be held in the cafe of Bradford's National Media Museum as part of the British Science Festival. Over 250 events will be held throughout the city and Bradford university campus as part of the Festival.

Where will I stay in Bradford?
We have booked you accommodation on the University of Bradford campus for the whole of the Festival. Speakers, staff and Festival assistants also stay on campus.

The x-change team also have their own office in the group study room by the Library on the Bradford University Campus.

Travel expenses
We pay for your travel to and from the Festival as well as food expenses so the x-change won't cost you anything to be part of.

What the x-change team has to offer volunteers:
This is an opportunity for people with a particular interest in science communication to get experience in event management and meet great speakers in the field. You'll gain skills in:

• organising and running public engagement with science events
• marketing and promoting events
• learning what makes a good speaker
• working to deadlines and time management
• researching speakers and helping write the x-change script
• AV skills e.g sound and lighting
• networking with science communicators

Level of commitment:
The x-change team take part in four intense days of work, starting at 8.30am and ending each day at the x-change event at 7.30pm. You must be dedicated and willing to work hard but we hope you will gain valuable skills and have fun!

Briefing day
A volunteer briefing day will be held at the Dana Centre in London on Tuesday 30 August

Desired skills
A genuine interest in, and enthusiasm for, science communication is essential as is the ability to be proactive and work to tight deadlines. The British Science Association aims to be an equal opportunities employer.

Recruitment process:
Five volunteers will be recruited in time for the British Science Festival. Application is by online form above.

What's it really like?
Have a look at what the 2010 team got upto, watch the x-change video and read Sue Nelson's gossip girl blog about the x-change on the BBC website

History of the x-change
The x-change has been running for nearly 10 years. It used to be hosted by BBC's Quentin Cooper and the BBC's Sue Nelson and has been held in cities throughout the UK as well as travelling to Barcelona, Munich and Stockholm.

The x-change is supported and run by:
The British Science Association Science in Society team.

For more information on the x-change team, please contact Amy Lothian , Science in Society Officer

Follow us on the x-change twitter.