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• Date of publication Oct 10, 2022 Category: Conference Review

  “Be the change” — how Cheltenham Science Festival used a central theme to centre social change within the festival

  by Gary Kerr , Emma Whittle , Marieke Navin

  “Be the change” (BTC) was the theme for Cheltenham Science Festival. BTC set out to empower audiences as individuals and as a collective to enact positive change across a wide range of global issues linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We examine the role of theming within festivals and analyse how BTC centred social change within the science festival. We conclude by noting that science festivals do not have to have science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) themes, but can instead be themed around global social issues.

  Volume 21 • Issue 06 • 2022

• Date of publication Jun 10, 2022 Category: Article

  Levelling the playing field: lessons from sport on re-framing science engagement as a benefit to the individual

  by Lindsay Keith , Gary Kerr

  The workforces of the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) industries suffer from skills gaps and lack diversity. Science engagement activities often try to solve these problems through targeting audiences under-represented in the STEM workforces. There is limited data, however, to suggest that these engagement efforts are successful in translating into more diverse workforces. We draw upon Unicef’s ‘Sport for Development’ model and propose a new conceptual framework: ‘Science Engagement for Good’. This frames science engagement activities around the benefits to individuals, families and communities, rather than the benefits to STEM industries, the economy or society at large.

  Volume 21 • Issue 04 • 2022 • Special Issue: Responsible science communication across the globe (RETHINK)