1. Dana Centre outreach Taking science events to new audiences Elin Simonsson – Khadija Khan Science Museum - London

2. What is the Dana Centre Linked to the Science Museum Events about science, medicine and technology Different event formats Target audience: adults 18-45 Aim: to actively engage target audience in different science issues. Aim: to attract new audiences to debates about science issues www.danacentre.org.uk

3. Who visits the Dana Centre 88.6% white ethnic background 77.6% visit science museums at least once/year 62.9% visit public science debates at least once/year Higher proportion from Kensington and Chelsea.

4. Why some people may not attend! Parents with young children Economically disadvantaged communities Cultural and religious reasons Pre-conceived ideas of the event Fear of Science Distance

5. Why outreach? Only way to reach certain communities Helps to break down barriers It fits with the overall aims of the Dana Centre

6. The Event Drugs and the Brain Forum Theatre Voting - Personal Response System The event at the Dana Centre

7. PARTNERS DANA CENTRE WALTHAM FOREST COUNCIL ADULT LEARNING FORUM THEATRE GROUP

8. Where did we take the event? Learning Centre in Leyton, East London

9. Why Walthamstow? Previous partnership Reach audiences that possibly couldn’t come: –The learning centre could provide other activities for participants’ children –Based within their local area –Community already familiar with and trust Waltham Forest Learning organisation

10. Learning about the outreach event… In-depth observation of event Focus group Interviews …and of course, learning from previous experience

11. What did we learn? What to think about when taking Science Events to New Audiences!

12. What we found out Different and similar motivations and needs to Dana Centre audiences

13. Motivations for attending Family Day Out Opportunity to learn about issues relating to them as a parent. Passionate about subject matter –Personal experience –Concerns for their children

14. Needs of this Audience Issues need to be directly relevant to people’s every day life A need for more follow up resources –Where to get more information –Who to contact Dietary needs Suitable time and location Child support on the day

15. Potential Obstacles Open door events mean unpredictable attendance Suspicion about outside organisations Other priorities –Eastenders –Religious dates

16. Tips for science event outreach Work closely with a local organisation Be clear about all partners roles, aims and objectives throughout Find out about your audience: –Will the audience be able to relate to the subject? –Is the event relevant?? You may have to adapt the event to suit their needs –How will you make sure that people attend? Local advertising

17. Tips for science event outreach Brief invited participants and organisers Avoid suspicion - Clearly explain who you are and the aims of the event on the day Create a friendly informal atmosphere Good attitude Patience Listen Say thank you