BU Research Blog

The aim of the scheme is to contribute to the STFC’s Science in Society Programme by investing in good communicators with research credibility. They will act as champions or ambassadors for STFC’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (‘STEM’) work to schools, the media or public audiences.

Science in Society fellowships are aimed at those with significant research experience who have demonstrated a track record in outreach or communications work. The fellowships will recognise and reward current practitioners and enable them to expand the work they do in public engagement.

Fellowships will buy time for additional or extended communication activities which will have a significant national or regional impact.

As well as their own wide general research area, other legitimate subjects for activities include current STFC STEM areas in general, the nature of the research process, and ethical and social issues that arise from research and its applications.

We do not wish to be prescriptive about the activities carried out by fellows, but the following are examples of the kind of work which might be expected:

• Working with mass media organisations, perhaps by inspiring or contributing to major science features, series or columns in popular print media, broadcasts, etc.
• Producing or advising on a major web-based or multimedia resource, possibly including webcasts, podcasts, blogs, etc.
• A major series of public lectures.
• Working with science centres or museums to develop new ways of presenting STFC STEM work.
• Working with the educational sector, including Science Learning Centres, to help teachers or curriculum developers to embed STFC STEM areas in their programmes.

We will not support proposals which are solely aimed at writing a popular science book, but will consider proposals in which the production of a book is part of a larger project.

There is a two-stage process. Short-listed applicants will be interviewed in May 2012, and funding decisions would be known very soon after interviews. Fellowships are normally given in the form of research grants to approved Research Organisations eligible to hold research grants.

The deadline for applications is 4pm on 1 March 2012.

For further information see the call announcement on the STFC website: http://www.stfc.ac.uk/Funding+and+Grants/532.aspx