Guarantee places for researchers in I’m a Scientist

Scientists applying for IAS go on to the waiting list of 1,500+ people. Last year, 12% got a place. This doesn’t help institutions who want their researchers to receive the benefits of the ‘best crash course in science communication’ on a consistent basis.

Institutions can guarantee places for their researchers in I’m a Scientist/Engineer and the Academy online course, through purchasing Packages, building capacity and quality of engagement.
 
The Academy Training Packages are designed to allow you to build support across your university by consolidating departmental commitments in one economical package. We have evidence, research and case studies that would help support your internal requests for funding.
 
There are 10 packages on offer for academic year 2020/21. To ask about the package options below, or get an estimate for something more tailored, contact shane@mangorol.la or call 01225 326 892.

    • Standard Package

      For institutions who want their researchers to take part in the standard online activities regularly

       

      £350 + VAT

      per researcher @ 10 places a year
      £400/researcher @ 5 places a year

       
      What’s included:

      • Reserved places for researchers in events
      • Reporting on engagement metrics
      • Ideal for sharing places across departments

    • Academy Training Package

      For institutions who want researchers to understand NCCPE fundamentals of public engagement and science capital concepts
       

      £400 + VAT

      per researcher @ 10 places a year
      £500/researcher @ 5 places a year

       
      What’s included:

      • Everything in Standard package
      • Researchers participate in facilitated Academy online course alongside a school zone, receive certificates

    • Immediate Place

      For guaranteeing a place in the next event – Can be requested by individual researcher with funding
       

      £700/€750 + VAT

      per researcher

       
      What’s included:

      • Reserved place in the next available IAS event
      • Report on researcher’s engagement metrics
      • IAS Academy participation and certificates

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Photo: Bogdana

If I had not been part of IAS Academy, I would have not had the confidence that I could actually undertake outreach.
Bogdana, Early career researcher

 

Online public engagement helps bridge the divide between institutions and schools– and it’s not only school students who benefit.

Participation in I’m a Scientist (IAS) and the Academy training course can help improve the quality of, and build capacity for public engagement at your institution.

Boost researcher’s engagement

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I didn’t really know much about public engagement before taking part… I’m a Scientist really inspired me to get involved with more!
Suzi, PhD researcher

IAS is a low pressure space for researchers to ‘dip their toes’ into public engagement. Seeing students’ enthusiasm for their work gives researchers the confidence and motivation to do more outreach.

Those with less previous experience increase their public engagement activities by 130% in the year following IAS. 

 

Improve communication skills

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The whole thing was very two-way… Some of the analogies I totally plagiarised from the students!
Max, PhD researcher

 
From day one, I’m a Scientist is effective experiential training for scientists in engaging the public. Researchers get to hone phrases over two weeks, helped by honest student feedback.

94% of ECR’s surveyed said taking part had improved their communication skills. 

 

Build capacity for high quality engagement

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IAS Academy gave me more perspective on exactly why I wanted to take part and gave me points to consider when planning future activities.
Savannah, PhD researcher

IAS Academy is a short online course for researchers to take alongside participation in I’m a Scientist. Based on the NCCPE Engage Framework, it helps researchers understand the fundamentals of quality public engagement and Science Capital concepts at the same time as engaging students.

Supported by a science communication lecturer, researchers answer questions getting them to think about important principles such as purpose, audience needs and appropriate engagement methods. 

 

Reach audiences in most need

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As we don’t have a major university very near us, students wouldn’t get this chance otherwise
Teacher

Online engagement allows your institution to engage school students who might otherwise miss out on STEM enrichment.

Schools more than 30 minutes drive from a research intensive Higher Education Institution are half as likely to get a visit from a university researcher as those within 15 minutes drive.

Get your researchers involved

There’s a long list of scientists wanting to take part in IAS, but only a limited number of places each activity.

Email shane@mangorol.la, or call 01225 326 892, to discuss funding to create space for your researchers in I’m a Scientist and the Academy.