Improving Engagement A science communication Workshop for WCP Conference 23rd November 2016 Welcome Introduce myself and my role – background. Introduce others – Jodie, Rhian, Sarah Fun workshop – creative, meet some new people

The aim of this workshop To help passionate cancer researchers to share your enthusiasm for cancer research through playful and meaningful interactions with the public. So what are we doing today? This workshop aims to take the passion and enthusiasm you have for your own area of research and find ways to share that enthusiasm with the public. In a playful and fun way. For a useful output which you can use at events in the future. But before we get stuck in, a bit of background

What is public Engagement?

Over 200 “Public engagement describes the myriad of ways in which the activity and benefits of higher education and research can be shared with the public. Engagement is by definition a two-way process, involving interaction and listening, with the goal of generating mutual benefit.” National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement Over 200 The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement defines Public Engagement as: “…the myriad of ways in which the activity and benefits of higher education and research can be shared with the public. …by definition a two-way process, involving interaction and listening, with the goal of generating mutual benefit.”

What is public engagement? Over 200 Conversation Dialogue Not just transmission Perspective Educating, both parties!

Why is public engagement important? Research is funded by taxpayers & fundraisers Build public trust & credibility of the research community Improve understanding about research & outcomes Ensure research is in broad cultural conversations The public supports us and so we have a responsibility to keep them informed! Organization have different reasons for engagement Increase participation in research

Why do researchers get involved? It’s enjoyable, rewarding and makes a break from routine. Discoveries we make have potential for profound impact on the public, we need to share our progress! It gives me a different perspective on my work. Their time, hard work and generosity fund my work so I owe it to them to share where the money goes I like to inspire future generations of scientists. I hope to raise my profile and keep in contact with my career inspiration. I’ve really improved my communication skills. Why do we do public engagement? It can be partly for Personal reward, Career reward, Raising your profile, inspiring others. But it can also serve the purpose of to secure ethical compliance, to recruit study participants, to build public trust & the credibility of the Research Community. People respond to people Own stories and inspiration

How do we engage with the public? Schools programme Lab Tours Science Festivals Open Doors Days Patient Events The Press, TV & Radio Fundraising events Social media Blogs Websites Is public engagement on the bus chatting to a stranger? I think it is! In the pub? With your mum? Podcasts Supporter talks – Q&A

Hands on Demos – starting conversations playfully! At the heart of or open day and other events is our interactive, hands on activities or ‘science in a box’ kits which are essential for engaging people in the research that we do. It brings the research to life using a fun and playful activity to start a conversation to delve deeper into that research is a great way – suitable for children and adults. Constantly looking for new activities – created in collaboration with researchers and that’s where we need your help! Face to face

Your challenge: Develop a new hands on activity to bring an area of cancer research to life? Genes and mutations Clinical trials Supportive care research Biobanking Can you use the resources available and your imagination to work together create an activity to illustrate a concept of the topic in that can be delivered in 1 minute.

Hands on approach ? Remember: Who is your audience? What do you want them to remember? Key concepts/learning outcomes – Keep it simple, no more than 3! Do you require props or not? You have been allocated a topic in your groups Develop an idea for a hands on game, demo or presentation to explain this concept. (30mins) Use any of crafting materials for inspiration or to explain your activity to the group in a 1 minute pitch! With these activities in our mind we are now going to get into groups to choose an area of research to brainstorm into a demo/hands on activity or game. The games we’ve played today were developed with researchers, and it would be great if an idea from todays session could lead to an activity Edinburgh, Manchester or London researchers used to explain cancer research! The ideas do not have to be fully formulated, we can continue to expand on details after the sesison is over with local REM *5mins* time to develop your idea *15mins* ready to feedback to the group? 3 minute pitch from each group of ideas so far… Room votes for favourite idea (can’t vote for self) arms raised – winning team receives prize!

DNA bracelets Rhian Morgan from An example: DNA bracelets Rhian Morgan from

Hands on approach ? Remember: Who is your audience? What do you want them to remember? Key concepts/learning outcomes – Keep it simple, no more than 3! Do you require props or not? You have been allocated a topic in your groups Develop an idea for a hands on game, demo or presentation to explain this concept. (30mins) Use any of crafting materials for inspiration or to explain your activity to the group in a 1 minute pitch! With these activities in our mind we are now going to get into groups to choose an area of research to brainstorm into a demo/hands on activity or game. The games we’ve played today were developed with researchers, and it would be great if an idea from todays session could lead to an activity Edinburgh, Manchester or London researchers used to explain cancer research!

Pitches Each group will have 1 minute to share their idea Summary of your activity including key messages You will be timed!

WHAT NEXT?

What next? Take our ‘ 10 tops tips’ document Follow up document will be emailed to you Further engagement training Future events Volunteer and get involved for any upcoming events Make your ideas a reality! Follow up with more detailed documeed links, information training, future events

Thank you cruk.org Any questions?