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The finalists aren't the only contestants with talent - hundreds of you that turned out to audition had the skills and potential to make great science communicators. Here are some more ideas of ways to get involved in communicating science.
The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science)
One of the first places you should turn to for science communication information:
Science Communication Conference
Held in May each year, this conference brings together science communicators from across the UK to discuss best practice and the latest ideas in science communication. Organised jointly by the BA and the Royal Society, you can read reports from this year's meeting. A great opportunity for networking.
Perspectives
A project that enables scientists to develop and exhibit posters which give an ethical view of their field of research. Selected scientists receive training and advice, before going on to exhibit their posters at the BA's Festival of Science in September. The deadline for applications for this year has just passed, but take a look at examples of posters from previous years.
Media Fellowships
These fellowships allow scientists to get a taste of the media, on placements within media organisations that last from 3 to 8 weeks.
Research Councils
The five scientific research councils, which are the main public investors funding scientific research in the UK, all approach 'Public engagement' in their own ways. Take a look through their websites to see what might be relevant to you, and watch out for requests for help from research councils - they are often looking for volunteers to assist at exhibitions and in schools, although they will often only use people already involved in research they fund.
The research councils are:
Research Councils UK has a Science in Society unit that works for all the UK's Research Councils. Theirr schemes include funding for public engagement projects and training for researchers to work with the public.
The British Council
The British Council has set up a website aimed at a global audience of science communicators, including science journalists, science museum and science centre staff, science festival organisers and performers, and scientists who wish to develop their skills at communicating with a wider audience outside the scientific community.
The Royal Society
As well as promoting excellence in Science, the Royal Society runs media and communication courses for postdoctoral scientists, and runs a Science in Society programme including regular talks and the summer exhibition.
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust funds and runs a huge range of public activities for all age groups, including exhibitions, art works, debates and grant schemes for large and small projects.
Ecsite
Mainly an organisation of science centres and museums, but also deals with demonstrations, talks and activities, with an informative website that lists UK Science Centres.
Science centres and museums are a great place to get more experience in science communication. Many of them run 'Meet the scientist' sessions - and are always looking for people who are enthusiastic to talk about science with the general public. Approach your local science centre and offer your services, they will probably be keen to work with you.
Of course you could also look out for jobs arising in science centres. From front of house staff who help the public to interact with the exhibitions, to education and exhibit development teams, there are a wide variety of jobs. Ecsite-uk has a jobs bank which lists some of the jobs currently available.
Association of British Science Writers (ABSW)
tel: 0870 770 3361. Professional body for science journalists, or anyone who uses writing to communicate science. Runs regular briefings for members on professional development and annual awards for science writing, as well as a bursary scheme.
scenta.co.uk
scenta.co.uk, initiated by The Engineering and Technology Board (the etb), works with leaders in the science, engineering and technology (SET) community to provide a gateway to the best information and resources for those pursuing a career in SET.
Through the aggregation of the best of existing initiatives, and through a suite of leading-edge communication technologies, scenta acts as a meeting point for people in SET, their peers, and the information providers and professional organisations that they seek.
To find out more about becoming a partner of scenta or to get involved in their role models project, email swood@etechb.co.uk
Researchers in Residence
This scheme organizes and supports placements for bioscience students in secondary schools, to spend time working with teachers and students. It is great for demonstrating and improving your communication skills.
Science and Engineering Ambassadors
This scheme, run by STEMNET, places scientists of all disciplines in schools to support teachers in delivering the curriculum and to inspire and enthuse young people about Science and Engineering.
Daily Telegraph Young Science Writers Awards
This annual competition is aimed at students and those in their twenties. Prizes include holidays, money and a chance to see your article published in the Daily Telegraph. For winners from previous years, plus information on entering the competition next year, go to http://www.science-writer.co.uk
ABSW student journalism bursaries
Financial support for students with a science background wishing to follow a postgraduate science communication or science journalism course.
NOISE
NOISE (New Outlooks In Science & Engineering) is a UK-wide campaign funded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Initiated in 2000, it aims to raise awareness of science and engineering among young people.
PAWS
Designed to encourage TV drama writers to use scientific and engineering themes, PAWS offers funding to writers but also organises events where scientists and engineers can introduce writers to their work.
Sense About Science's Voice of Young Science programme
Sense About Science works with younger scientists, post-grads, post docs or equivalent in first job, who are passionate about science and want to communicate about science and their research to a wider audience. Activities include:
For further details about Voice of Young Science please visit their website, or contact Alice Tuff on atuff@senseaboutscience.org.
Shape the Future
Shape the Future is a major new scheme by the Royal Academy of Engineering to raise awareness of engineering and technology. Contact Dave Rowley at dave.rowley@raeng.org.uk or on 020 7227 0540 for more information.
Cafes Scientifique
A network of informal meetings where the interested public discuss science and the issues around it in an informal café atmosphere. Usually an invited speaker will give a short introduction, followed by audience debate. See the website to find a café near you, or help with starting one up in your own area.
If you want to get some serious qualifications in science communication there are a range of courses available that can help you with the skills and the contacts you'll need.
Bath University
MSc in Science, Culture and Communication
Birkbeck College
Diploma in Science Communication (PT). Two years part time, including work placements with media organisations.
University of the West of England (UWE)
MSc Science Communication (FT/PT)
The Science Communications Unit also runs short courses. For more details visit their website.
Imperial College
[http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/humanities/sciencecommunicationgroup/mscinsciencecommunication/]MSc Science Communication and MSc Science Media Production
The Open University
MSc Science
Queens University at Armagh / Dublin City University
MSc Science Communication
University of Glamorgan
MSc Communicating Science
University of Glasgow
MSc/PGDip/PGCert in Inter-Professional Science Education and Communication
The BA has a useful list of many of the courses which are currently being run in the UK.
Check out the British Council's list of science festivals around the country, including, of course, Cheltenham Science Festival. Many of these festivals rely on volunteers to make them happen, so get in touch and offer your help. This can be great experience to add to your CV, and offers plenty of networking opportunities.
Mailing lists and forums
It's well worth checking out the psci-com website. This covers a whole range of science communication activities, and includes the psci-com email list. Sign up to this for science communication discussions, job adverts and other opportunities.
Similarly BIG (the British Interactive Group) has an email discussion group, which again has job opportunities and plenty of lively debate about science communication. BIG also holds a meeting every July where science communicators get together to network and discuss best practice.
If none of that works for you, then start something up yourself. A great way to get into science communication is to develop a talk or show, and then offer to deliver it to anyone and everyone. Schools, Youth Groups (e.g. Scouts, Guides), even the Women's Institute - they're all keen to find people to speak to them, and can provide great experience in dealing with easy (and tough!) audiences. This is how many people start off in science communication, and whilst some use it as a springboard into other jobs, others make a whole career out of freelance science communication.
And for a bit of fun.... the team at Null Hypothesis, the Journal of Unlikely Science, are always looking for new articles. They rely on your contributions to provide the freshest, funniest and sometimes downright strangest science articles on the web
© Cheltenham Festivals 2006/7