Given the likely cutbacks in Irish science funding announced in the "Bord Snip Nua" report yesterday, it's more important than ever for all of us involved in science to pro-actively convince taxpayers and politicians that important research should continue to be funded.
And given the limited money available to promote science now it makes sense to follow these best practice tips to get value for money from all science communication activities...
TOP 10 BEST PRACTICE TIPS
FOR SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
DEVELOPED BY THE ORGANISERS AND DELEGATES AT THE
THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNICATING SCIENCE CONFERENCE.
ENGINEERS IRELAND, MAY 21, 2009
1. Collaboration: Work with others. Look for
unexpected partnerships, for example, artists
and engineers.
2. Empowerment: Create opportunities for
teachers to excite students about science.
3. Enthusiasm: Be an enthusiastic advocate
for science in your community.
4. Planning: Be aware of other science
communication programmes and use the
resources and experience of others.
5. Context: Be aware that those who are least
interested in science often have great
influence.
6. Community Engagement: Start at
primary school level and get students, parents
and teachers to promote science. Encourage
volunteering.
7. Gender Awareness: Disarm taken-forgranted
social and gender biases that prevent
people from engaging in science and
technology.
8. Evaluate: Assess the behavioural change
you are achieving and make your evaluations
public.
9. Technology: Use SMS, blogging,
webcasting and social networking sites, as well
as traditional methods, to promote science.
Make it interactive.
10. Change Behaviours: Select groups and
work with them to voluntarily change or
modify behaviour, e.g., get career guidance
teachers to motivate students to choose
science careers.
And there's also a good overview of the day's talks on Piaras Kelly's Public Relations in Ireland blog too.
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