Speaker
Description
“Science is not finished until it is communicated”. This quote attributed to Sir Mark Walport, the UKs Chief Scientist in 2013, has become a rallying cry for the science communication (SciComm) community and those involved in informal STEM education, to encourage researchers to communicate their science beyond the academe.
While there are no precise numbers, it is clear that more scientists, physicians, journalists and educators are choosing to get involved in engaging non-expert audiences with STEM subjects. This is reflected in the increasing number of communities dedicated to supporting SciComm, greater avenues for professional development, presence on social media platforms, and even in the requirements for funding bodies such as the NSF, to discuss the “Broader Impacts” of research beyond scientific advancement.
Science outreach connects research to communities, inspires future scientists, and strengthens public trust in evidence-based decision-making. However, outreach that overlooks inclusion, limits who benefits and who participates in STEM. This talk uses the example of a sensory-friendly science festival to argue that inclusive outreach — designed to reach diverse learners — is essential for equitable opportunity, improved innovation, and more resilient scientific systems.
