The Beacon for Wales is hosting a free conference on Tuesday, July 6 aimed at researchers who are looking to enhance their public engagement skills.
Organised in collaboration with Vitae – a national organisation who champion the personal, professional and career development of research staff in higher education institutions – the one day conference is an opportunity to find out what public engagement opportunities are available, why it is worth doing and how to get started. Although primarily for researchers it will also be of interest to research support staff and supervisors.
The varied programme is designed to improve public engagement skills through practical and informative sessions led by experienced communicators and community engagement practitioners. It will also provide an opportunity to network with other researchers interested in public engagement.
Beacon for Wales programme manager Bruce Etherington, said: “Public engagement is becoming an increasingly important part of research as it helps to generate and prove research impact. This conference will serve as an introduction to this area with presentations from funders, academics and those involved in engagement projects.”
The conference will also include the highly acclaimed ‘Visualise’ theatre show, by Cardiff University spinout Science Made Simple, and an exhibition of images from the ‘Pictures of Public Engagement’ competition entries.
The ‘Pictures of Public Engagement’ photography competition is the chance for researchers to win a cash prize. Entrants will need to submit a single image that illustrates how their current research affects the wider world. Deadline for entries is 12pm on Friday June 11th and further competition details can be found here.
The Beacon for Wales is a partnership between Cardiff University, University of Glamorgan, Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales, Techniquest, and BBC Cymru Wales. The Beacon is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, Research Councils UK and the Wellcome Trust. It aims to help Welsh universities engage more with the communities they serve.
‘Exploring the What, Why and How of Public Engagement’ takes place on Tuesday 6th July 10.30am – 4.15pm in the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. Please follow the link for registration details.
There will also be a public showing for non-delegates of the critically acclaimed ‘Visualise: Reloaded’ at 7.00pm on Tuesday 6 July in the Weston Studio, Wales Millennium Centre. Tickets are £6.00 and can be ordered via the box office on 029 20636464 or online at www.wmc.org.uk
