Beyond Blogging: The ideas…

Posted on November 3, 2010 by LindsayKeith

The week before last we organised an event at the achingly modern and cool Wellcome Trust building on Euston Rd.

The purpose of the day was to set our minds free from the bum-numbing constraints of Web 1.0 and ask what was next for science communications now that we all bathe in the warm mobile glow of Web 2.0.

For the brave of spirit (those not scared to make daft suggestions) and the brave of mind (those who live in geeky twilight world of coding and open API), it was an opportunity to

a)    to identify issues that exist in science-communication that might be solved by online tools other than blogs

b)   think about how new technology available to us can be put to use in the arena of science-communication.

Most of the attendees were involved in science communication and public engagement either directly or indirectly and were therefore familiar with the age old questions such as how do you engage the public with science, and how do you break down the barriers and misconceptions between researchers and “normal people”* , which, of course, flavoured the nature of the discussions somewhat. The point of the exercise however, was not to answer those questions directly, but to find out how Web 2.0 could be better used to solve them and in what way.

*Yes, I’m afraid its true; scientists are not generally considered “normal”. I could draw you a venn diagram, but that really would be geeky, and would prove my own point in an ultimately embarrassing fashion.

The day was fruitful and noisy chatter resounded through the panelled room interspersed with Evan Harris delivering words of wisdom and Shane McCracken delivering words (only joking, he was in fact an excellent host and lead facilitator for the day)

Splitting the main group into five discussion tables, the morning session gave rise to five main ideas which would form the basis of the afternoon’s session as each table endeavoured to turn the rough idea into a more tangible concept: perhaps even one that might attract funding.

The hope for the event was that it might provide a catalyst for new projects which could genuinely help to take science communication and public engagement “beyond blogging”.

Being caring, sharing open source types, we want to spread these ideas around so that if someone thinks (to use  some Boardroom Bingo catchphrases) that the idea “has legs” or “will fly,” then it doesn’t end up “in the fridge” but that someone, maybe you, will pick up that metaphorical ball and start running with it.

The being the case, we’ve decided to make things easy for you:

I’ve listened to the transcripts of the presentation from each of the five tables, and summarised it as the project summary in a template of a Wellcome Trust Public Engagement Grant.

All you have to do, is fill in the gaps (feeling free to entirely replace my summary if you wish), submit the form and hope that the Wellcome Trust share your enthusiasm!

Ready? GAME ON!

1. The Science Activism Toolkit

2. Find A Scientist

3. Media Support Network

4. Knode

5. SpinWatch

Posted in Ideas, News | Leave a comment

Beyond Blogging #1 – Science Activists Toolkit

Posted on November 3, 2010 by LindsayKeith

1. Science Activism Toolkit

(To go straight to this idea written up as a Wellcome Trust Grant Proposal Project Summary, click HERE)

The first idea wanted to build on the massive success of the incredible Science is Vital Campaign which has been widely credited as one reason that proposed science funding cuts of up to 45%, ended up being no cuts at all* by the time it actually came to the comprehensive spending review.

*some cuts “in real terms” but essentially much, much better news than the draconian cutbacks that Vince Cable hinted that he might have to make in his recent speech.

The problem that the Science is Vital campaigners had to contend with were twofold – where on earth do you start and what do you have to do in order to organise an official protest, and how do you galvanise a community of people who are passionate about their work, but generally not too excited about the idea of putting their heads over the political parapet?

Although they very much learned on the job, the people behind the campaign managed to pull off an enormous coup, by staging a rally with over 2000 attendees at the Treasury and convincing the Govenrment (or helping to) that science cuts would be devastating for the country.

But how to capitalise on that success? How to make sure that the large community of people supporting SIV, who have become engaged, stay engaged with activism and political change for the benefit of science?

This table’s answer to the thorny problem is the provision of an activism toolkit, and an immediate call to arms. SIV proved that scientists CAN effect political change, but there is more they can still do. The toolkit will help motivate the engaged community by offering help, explanations, advice and contacts so that scientists who want to protest or lobby about a problem know how to go about doing it. By breaking down the initial hurdles of how to go about making political change, tailored uniquely to science, the toolkit, it is hoped will be a springboard from which further change for the scientific good can come.

Now – if you like like that idea – please feel free to carry on filling out the Wellcome Trust Grant Proposal document I’ve started here.

Posted in Ideas | 2 Comments

Science Activists’ Toolkit – The Grant Proposal

Posted on November 3, 2010 by LindsayKeith

To see a less formal explanation of what the toolkit is for, click HERE

Below is a template for a Wellcome Trust Grant Proposal document, with the project summary already filled in for you. Please feel free to cut, paste, amend, adapt and submit at will!

Q7. Project summary (no more than 250 words)

The Science Activism Toolkit is a unique set of digital tools and assets, which are available online and intended for the use of scientists or other activists with an interest in science to build campaigns, rally supporters or otherwise become involved in the process of lobbying or effecting political change.

NEED: A need for this kind of resource was clearly identified during the preparation for the recent “Science is Vital” campaign. The campaign was ultimately successful, not only in galvanising support from scientists and others, but holding a large protest rally at the Treasury, which is widely credited with helping protect science from the worst of the cuts in the recent comprehensive spending review. That said, it was only possible due to the extreme dedication of the core team, who had to find out through trial and error, how to organise such an event, and at a few stages, it came extremely close to cancellation.

SOLUTION:  The online toolkit will have dedicated information for activists which will clearly and simply guide them through the process and procedures for arranging an such an event. It will have information on how to access a range of tools specific for different needs and requirements. These will include, for example) tools for crowdsourcing ideas, using social networking as a campaign recruitment tool, information and advice on how to lobby MPs, organisations, the NHS, schools and local and central government and checklists, recommendations and “how to” guides for arranging marches, protests and rallies.

Q8 Objectives

Please provide a detailed description of the objectives and how they relate to stimulating and/or informing
debate about the historical, social, ethical, cultural and/or contemporary issues within the biosciences.
Please also identify the intended audience(s) and approximate numbers that will be reached. Also identify
the reasons why you want to do the project including the background to the work (max 1000 words).

Q9 Methods

Describe the proposed plan for execution and delivery, how you intend to achieve the aims, the nature of any
collaborations or partnerships, and how you will explore the biomedical subject area (max 1000 words)

Q10 Public engagement

Provide details of how the activity contributes to the field of public engagement with science (max 500
words).

Q11 Outcomes

Please give details of the expected project outcomes (max 500 words).

Posted in Applications, Ideas | 1 Comment

Beyond Blogging #2: Find A Scientist

Posted on November 3, 2010 by LindsayKeith

2. Find A Scientist

The second presentation wanted to use internet tools to address the pressing issue of how to ensure scientific representation in the press is facilitated by the science community itself.


An online website with search tools and community pages would allow for a quick, easy and accurate way for journalists, teachers or other organisations to “find a scientist”. They hope that by targeting teachers they can grow traffic to the site and a web presence by the cascade effect from pupils to teachers.

Scientists would sign-up, including information about their area of expertise and what level of engagement they are happy to be contacted about (i.e. a talk to a school, or a TV appearance) and search queries by site users can be cross-referenced by geographical location, specific research etc., so that in response to their search, they will be given suitable name or names of people who will provide a response suitable to their needs.

Now – if you like like that idea – please feel free to carry on filling out the Wellcome Trust Grant Proposal document I’ve started here.

Posted in Ideas | 5 Comments

Find A Scientist – The Grant Proposal

Posted on November 3, 2010 by LindsayKeith

To see a less formal explanation of what Find A Scientist is about, click HERE

Below is a template for a Wellcome Trust Grant Proposal document, with the project summary already filled in for you. Please feel free to cut, paste, amend, adapt and submit at will!

Q7. Project summary (no more than 250 words)

Find A Scientist is a brand new Web 2.0 ready website which will act as a hub for both scientists and science communicators and interested members of the public. At its centre will be a database of scientists who are each invited to enter details of their areas of expertise and interest, availability and location, as well as stating what level of public engagament they are prepared to undertake. The unique element of the Find A Scientist hub will be a search engine which can be used by members of the public, journalists, teachers, organisations, charities etc to match them with a scientist that is perfect for their article, programme or event.

PENETRATION: In order to ensure that Find A Scientist is as widely used as possible, it will be targeted specifically at teachers, to take advantage of the cascade effect in order to engage with the school pupil and student community. Not only will this ensure that Find A Scientist has excellent penetration, but, as a tool, it will be in-built into the next generation of media facilitators.

Q8 Objectives

Please provide a detailed description of the objectives and how they relate to stimulating and/or informing
debate about the historical, social, ethical, cultural and/or contemporary issues within the biosciences.
Please also identify the intended audience(s) and approximate numbers that will be reached. Also identify
the reasons why you want to do the project including the background to the work (max 1000 words).

Q9 Methods

Describe the proposed plan for execution and delivery, how you intend to achieve the aims, the nature of any
collaborations or partnerships, and how you will explore the biomedical subject area (max 1000 words)

Q10 Public engagement

Provide details of how the activity contributes to the field of public engagement with science (max 500
words).

Q11 Outcomes

Please give details of the expected project outcomes (max 500 words).

Posted in Applications, Ideas | 2 Comments

Beyond Blogging #3: Media Support Network

Posted on November 3, 2010 by LindsayKeith

3. Media Support Network

The Media Support Network was an overlapping concept to Find a Scientist, but concentrated more on the aspect of encouraging and training scientists in public engagement activities.

The problem identified was that public-engagement by scientists tended to be carried out by a self-selecting group of people who were already engaged with the concept of outreach and communications. What we want, what we really really want, said the Europadon table, was for all scientists (well, more, at any rate) to be out there blogging and tweeting and generally sharing their excitement and passion for science with the world.

One reason identified as a cause of this not happening, was a general lack of continuous support, motivation, nurture, training and low-risk opportunities for scientists wishing to communicate their work. Although it is easy peasy to go out and find a communication course any old day of the week,  a scientists might do one day of media training, and then not be called upon to use it until years later by which time they have a) forgotten it and are therefore b) wetting themselves that they will make a major faux-pas on national TV.

So the purpose of the Media Support Network is to remove that fear and give scientists a safe haven in which to nurture and grow their newly acquired media personalities: if they have to give a radio interview – they can phone up for a dry run first. If they’re going on Newsnight, someone can give them a Paxmanesque grilling beforehand to make sure they’ve thought about all the questions that might get thrown at them. In short, remove the fear, nurture the confidence and scientists will start coming out of their shells. Or their labs, at any rate.

Now – if you like that idea, please feel free to carry on filling out the Wellcome Trust Grant Proposal Template I’ve started here.

Posted in Ideas | 3 Comments

Media Support Network – The Grant Proposal

Posted on November 3, 2010 by LindsayKeith

To see a less formal explanation of what the Media Support Network is about, click HERE

Below is a template for a Wellcome Trust Grant Proposal document, with the project summary already filled in for you. Please feel free to cut, paste, amend, adapt and submit at will!

Q7. Project summary (no more than 250 words)

The Media Support Network is an online endeavour to enhance existing science communication and public engagement training opportunities, with an ongoing source of motivation, encouragement and further study for media engagement.

PROBLEM: The percentage of scientists actively involved in science communication projects is small, and self-selects for those already engaged with the issues, meaning that science across the board is not represented evenly in popular media.

Some reasons identified for this  low representation are

1. fear of  public humiliation due to inadequate training/experience

2. fear of compromising professional integrity with academic peers

SOLUTION: The Media Support Network is an online presence backed up by a team of trained and experienced science communicators which seeks to widen involvement by scientists in public engagement by removing the three obstacles of fear, inadequate training and lack of support. Further it seeks to nurture the talent identified by creating an ongoing dialogue and helping place scientists into low-risk environments (such as talks to charities, schools or interest groups) to help bolster their media exposure and confidence. At the same time this outreach process will have the dual benefit of engaging the charities, interest groups and schools in the work of the scientist. In addition, if a scientist is approached to make an appearance on TV or radio, or perhaps be interviews for a magazine, the Media Support Network will be able to provide “dry-runs” to help prepare them for the event.

It is hoped that by removing the obstacles between scientists and the media, that the number of scientists encouraged to particpate in engagament projects will grow, and it will become the norm, not the exception, thus secondarily breaking down the fear of compromising professional integrity as specified in point 2 above.

Q8 Objectives

Please provide a detailed description of the objectives and how they relate to stimulating and/or informing
debate about the historical, social, ethical, cultural and/or contemporary issues within the biosciences.
Please also identify the intended audience(s) and approximate numbers that will be reached. Also identify
the reasons why you want to do the project including the background to the work (max 1000 words).

Q9 Methods

Describe the proposed plan for execution and delivery, how you intend to achieve the aims, the nature of any
collaborations or partnerships, and how you will explore the biomedical subject area (max 1000 words)

Q10 Public engagement

Provide details of how the activity contributes to the field of public engagement with science (max 500
words).

Q11 Outcomes

Please give details of the expected project outcomes (max 500 words).

Posted in Applications, Ideas | 1 Comment

Beyond Blogging #4: Knode

Posted on November 3, 2010 by LindsayKeith

4. Knode

Idea number 4 was born in geek heaven and involved the use of a term I’d never heard of before – data scraping. (My concern that it was anything to do with scraping the barrel of your data to squeeze one last chapter out of your PhD work was unfounded. )

In fact data scraping is a clever way of writing code that can pull data from websites automatically, without you having to do it by hand (or by mouse, I suppose). It’s a technique that would be used to help populate an open database of research projects.

The key point about Knode is that it would be built with a flexible API (Application Programming Interface) that would allow others to use the data within for whatever purpose they see fit.

Knode would become a central source of science research projects where information (but not necessarily the results) about a project are kept for others to access. This information would include the topic of research, information about methodology and tools used, funding, chronology, et cetera. It would be built with social media in mind allowing people to follow the project, to offer assistance, to include in other outputs.

Its is envisaged that this would lead to all sorts of interesting collaborations and foster an environment of transparency, immediacy and an open dialogue with stake-holders (where the science is grant funded with public money) of the sort which has rarely existed in the past.

Such a database would only be updated if it was useful. To be useful it would have to include a large proportion of a science community. To do that it would need to start with a lot data already input. And that’s where data-scraping comes in.

Now if you like that idea, please feel free to carry on filling out the Wellcome Trust Grant Proposal I’ve started here.

Posted in Ideas | 3 Comments

Knode – The Grant Proposal

Posted on November 3, 2010 by LindsayKeith

To see a less formal explanation of what KNODE is about, click HERE.

Below is a template for a Wellcome Trust Grant Proposal document, with the project summary already filled in for you. Please feel free to cut, paste, amend, adapt and submit at will!

Q7. Project summary (no more than 250 words)

KNODE is a concept to use open API and a technique of datascraping to mine information from past and present science research projects to be included in a central data repository. Although this concept is not itself new, it has never previously been attempted using open API to allow simple and easy inclusion of data sets to the database.

In addition, it is envisaged that the front end of the KNODE website would provide a virtual space  (a “page”) for the research in which it could organically grow “followers” and “friends”. The research could be described visually and literally, and the page updated with data as it becomes available, which can, in turn attract comments and opinions and perhaps foster collaboration and data sharing.

It is hoped that the meta-data set generated by the repository will encourage cross-fertilisation  “mash-ups” where old data is perhaps re-used for a new purpose.

In addition, the site will perform a public engagament service by allowing stake-holders (where public funds have been used) and other interested people and organisations to follow scientific research and advancements in “real” time.

Q8 Objectives

Please provide a detailed description of the objectives and how they relate to stimulating and/or informing
debate about the historical, social, ethical, cultural and/or contemporary issues within the biosciences.
Please also identify the intended audience(s) and approximate numbers that will be reached. Also identify
the reasons why you want to do the project including the background to the work (max 1000 words).

Q9 Methods

Describe the proposed plan for execution and delivery, how you intend to achieve the aims, the nature of any
collaborations or partnerships, and how you will explore the biomedical subject area (max 1000 words)

Q10 Public engagement

Provide details of how the activity contributes to the field of public engagement with science (max 500
words).

Q11 Outcomes

Please give details of the expected project outcomes (max 500 words).

Posted in Applications, Ideas | 1 Comment

Beyond Blogging #5 “SpinWatch”

Posted on November 3, 2010 by LindsayKeith

5. Spinwatch (aka “Bolloxwatch”)

Provisionally entitled (ahem) “BolloxWatch” the final presentation, from the Iodactyl table concerned poor science journalism and how to address the problems raised by it.

In a world of “churnalism” (journalists churning out rubbish to fill up column inches) it has become all too common for corporate press releases to be regurgitated as news and “surveys” of all shapes, sizes, and more importantly, quality, to be reported as fact.

Sex and Relationships research suffers particularly in this arena – and you can see many, many examples on Dr Petra Boynton’s excellent blog http://www.drpetra.co.uk/blog/ of examples of good research which has been distorted and misrepresented for the sake of a cheap headline, or titillation.

At the other end of the scale, poorly written, constructed and collated “surveys” which have not been validated and therefore provide no reliable “fact” of any kind, are offered screaming headlines if they hit the right notes for a sub-editor.

Ben Goldacre, with his Bad Science column in The Guardian is another pioneer in repudiating bad science in the press, but the Iodactyles believe that there is only so much that a couple of individuals can do, and that it’s time we delivered to scientists and science communicators a forum and a toolbox to help put bad science journalism in its place. What do you think?

Now if you like that idea, please feel free to carry on filling out the Wellcome Trust Grant Proposal I’ve started here.

Posted in Ideas | 2 Comments