Why science engagement?

Our vision is a future where science is more relevant, representative and connected to society. To realise this, we must understand how accessible science, in its various forms, is to people and communities around the UK.

In 2021, we commissioned London Economics to carry out research to map and develop a set of indicators for science engagement across the UK.

This culminated in a report (right) titled Mapping and analysis of science engagement and inequity in the UK.

Across the organisation, but particularly in this project, we adopt a broad view of science within 'science engagement'. This encompasses areas like chemicals, textiles, design and applied technologies such as those relating to construction, transport, the built environment and food technology. This definition of science engagement therefore recognises the variety of opportunities to interact with science and scientists in formal and informal environments.

This is the first time STEM education, industry, cultural centres and other related data have been compiled and analysed for this purpose, illustrating the complexity of science engagement across the UK.

Download the full report

Datasets

The datasets of indicators and resulting rankings are now available to download:

• Download as Excel workbook
• Download PDF

Webinar

The BSA hosted a webinar for science engagement stakeholders and science communication practitioners around the UK to ask questions about how it might inform their work.

The webinar took place on Thursday 5 May at 12.00pm and you can rewatch it on our YouTube channel.

Interactive map

Download an interactive map showing opportunity to engage with science by local authority(opens in new tab) - 147MB

NB this is a large HTML file, and might take a while to download.

What's next?

• A review of the work, and liaison with other organisations in the sector and beyond to identify opportunities for further research and supporting assets (such as a series of user guides)

For more information about this project, email Clio Heslop, Head of Policy, Partnerships and Impact.

If your organisation would like to partner with us to support additional work, email Clio Heslop, Head of Policy, Partnerships and Impact.