From: Melanie Illsley – Melanie.Illsley@stfc.ac.uk

STFC Public Engagement Symposium – 21 June, Birmingham

SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT
STFC invites all those interested in public engagement (PE) with STFC science and
technology to this free PE Symposium, being held on the University of Birmingham campus on
21 June 2011. Online registration is now open. If you are a project PI or a student
supervisor please could you forward this to co- investigators, postdocs and PhD students.
The main aims of the symposium are to share best practice; discuss the STFC programme and
the UK national ‘context’ for PE; hear of new developments eg in the new & social media;
to better understand the benefits of PE to researchers; and to build a community of
practitioners including networking. There will be interactive workshops on getting
funding for PE, new & social media, PE & comms training, etc.
We particularly welcome participation by early career researchers, and the Symposium should
contribute to researchers’ continuing professional development. STFC can pay up to £100 for
reasonable actual travel and subsistence costs for STFC-funded PhD students, PDRAs and
postdoctoral fellows to attend. Please contact Jane Butt, Jane.Butt@stfc.ac.uk to check
eligibility.
The Programme will include
· a new STFC PE Strategic Plan for discussion and a session on new & social media
· Hands on Workshops to include practical PE/Communications training; and one on
‘applying for PE funds’, covering Pathways to Impact, PE Awards, etc.
· 60 second soapbox session for anyone with something to offer
· Poster session over lunch
· Exhibition stands and resources available to help you with your PE work
· An opportunity to share ideas and best practice, learn about developments and
network
· We will invite some MPs, to discuss political perspectives on PE and STEM skills
agenda in the UK.
The Registration website can be found at:
http://www.stfc.ac.uk/stfcforms/PESymposium.aspx
Please register as soon as possible and at the latest by Wednesday 1st June 2011.
Registered delegates will be sent a final draft programme and further details in
due course.