We have collected some relevant BSA reports and resources on EDI and inclusive science engagement. We are keen to highlight examples from other organisations and sectors. If you would like us to consider listing your work on this page, please email Abigail Hilditch ([email protected])

Transforming Science Engagement

We created our audience model as a strategic framework and tool to help us identify, understand and reach audiences traditionally excluded from and underrepresented in science. In this way, we hope to make science part of culture for everyone. We recognise that by unlocking the potential of a more diverse group of people, we increase our ability exponentially to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges and collectively shape our future for the better.

In 2017 we analysed the potential applications of the audience model for the BSA and other science engagement organisations. The resulting report made six recommendations which have informed the next stage of our audience research: 

• Use the model to challenge the science engagement sector
• Work inside and outside the mainstream
• Align the audience model and the vision
• Expand the survey data on participants
• Evaluate change in engagement qualitatively
• Support groups to self-organise science

Download the full report

Leading science engagement in a changing world

‘Leading science engagement in a changing world’ was a half-day event held on 1 June 2017, organised by British Science Association and hosted by the Royal Society of Chemistry, with support from Institute of Physics and the Wellcome Trust. The event aimed to provide space for reflection and conversation among leaders and influencers in the science engagement sector, such as learned societies, the media, government, cultural organisations, museums and discovery centres, think tanks, education and higher education institutions.

We condensed the conversations and ideas from the event into a short document which identifies five focus areas: 

• Empower the public to ask questions
• Work towards a joined-up funding system 
• Co-develop our ideas
• Build an evidence base
• Commit to diversity

Download the full summary

A Changing Sector: where is science communication now? 

The BSA published A Changing Sector: Where is science communication now in 2016? This report is a snapshot of the science communication and public engagement sector in the UK in February 2016. We used findings from the survey to shape our work and continue the conversation about where science communication is today and where we can take it in the future. Here are some key findings and questions raised by the report:

• There are some key hubs in the UK for science communication and public engagement in London (26%), South West England (14%) and Scotland (11%). Each had a higher percentage of science communicators than would be expected for their population.
• The science communication sector is not representative of society. We compared the demographics of science communicators to national data. Respondents were more likely to be female (66%), educated to Masters level (49%) and the majority were aged between 25-44 (68%). There was no statistical difference in ethnicity compared with national data (88% white), however, when geographical clusters of activity were accounted for, the sector cannot be considered representative of the diversity of the UK.
• Many science communicators do unpaid work. The majority (66%) are doing unpaid work. The most common unpaid activities are research, writing, and supporting volunteers. 
• Moving the sector forward – connectivity, recognition and standards. Respondents’ suggestions for moving the sector forward fell into three main categories. Better connectivity between science communicators, and with those outside the sector was most common (33%). Many respondents were also keen to see more recognition for public engagement (29%) and for standards to improve through better sharing of information and training (20%). Our interviews showed that in practice, these issues are interlinked

Read the report and find out more about the results.