Presentation from "Inclusive initiatives" at the 2013 Science Communication Conference organised by the British Science Association - slides by Karen Folkes

1. Inclusive Initiatives

2. Inclusive Initiatives
• Aim: to generate new ideas for how to engage with under-represented or
‘hard to reach’ audiences.
• Each table will be allocated a different audience - you can opt for a different
one if you want (although we don’t want too many duplicates). Q. Do we
want to try to do 2 each by rotating topics?
• Each table will have a ‘host’ from either BIS, a speaker or someone who has
worked with the particular group.
We have 40 minutes for this part of the session

3. Inclusive Initiatives
• Aim: to generate new ideas for how to engage with under-represented or
‘hard to reach’ audiences.
• Each table will be allocated a different audience - you can opt for a different
one if you want (although we don’t want too many duplicates). Q. Do we
want to try to do 2 each by rotating topics?
• Each table will have a ‘host’ from either BIS, a speaker or someone who has
worked with the particular group.
We have 40 minutes for this part of the session

4. Table topics
• Main topics
– Low Socio-economic background: Not just students but their influencers. Also think about
regional variation / multi-generational unemployment / old industrial area
– BAME: identifying which BAME communities are underrepresented and how to reach them. Also
think about the impact of English as an Additional Language (EAL) – again, not just students
– Girls: in physics/engineering/technology
– Location: people in rural locations or those without significant science infrastructure, e.g.
universities, businesses
– Digital engagement: Those without digital access, e.g. some older people. Also think about those
who only engage digitally
• Additional topics
– B-grade students: expectation / opportunities
– The ‘T’ in STEM: those less into science / research but more into technology
– Others?

5. What do we want you to do?
• Introduce yourselves and briefly share your experiences with targeting or
working with the specific group – capture on flip chart.
• Brainstorm new/different ways of reaching those groups – within a specific
context using BIS Aims (on wall)
– Include how to best ‘go where they are’
– Identify any gaps or duplication
– Suggest partnerships to help improve reach.
• Write ideas on flip charts provided

6. What do we want you to do?
• Introduce yourselves and briefly share your experiences with targeting or
working with the specific group – capture on flip chart.
• Brainstorm new/different ways of reaching those groups – within a specific
context using BIS Aims (on wall)
– Include how to best ‘go where they are’
– Identify any gaps or duplication
– Suggest partnerships to help improve reach.
• Write ideas on flip charts provided