It was a great opportunity to really think about what I was getting from the event… I think without the Academy I wouldn’t have actually sat down and thought about the various types of outreach and pros/cons of each!
PhD researcher
STEM professionals – particularly those near the start of their career – often describe I’m a Scientist, I’m an Engineer, or I’m a Mathematician as a ‘crash course’ in sci-comm. It’s effective experiential learning for communication skills and public engagement.
The Academyis a short online course, designed to strengthen the impact of this learning experience for STEM professionals. Participants benefit from a private space to reflect on the I’m a Scientist experience, as it’s happening, with guidance from science communication expert Dr Hannah Little. The course is based on the NCCPE Engage Framework Good practice principles for public engagement and science capital concepts.
Taking the course allows participants to:
better articulate and understand what they are learning while engaging with students
build their understanding of public engagement fundamentals
be more effective when planning future outreach activities
The experience for STEM professionals
The Academy boosts your development by supporting you to reflect on your I’m a Scientist experience, and deepen your understanding and knowledge of current public engagement principles. Here’s how:
💠Reflect on your learning
Every couple of days during the course, you’ll receive a short question to answer. The questions vary: from your experience of I’m a Scientist that day, to topics such as science capital or the Engage Framework from NCCPE. There are 6 questions, supported by useful resources and reading materials.
👋 Receive support
Dr Hannah Little, University of Liverpool science communication lecturer (and I’m a Scientist alum) will provide feedback and advice throughout the course.
Feedback will be made available in response to your answered questions, and in weekly live Chats with your Academy cohort.
🔗 Connect with your peers
There’s a group of STEM professionals in the Academy, all taking part in I’m a Scientist/Engineer/Mathematician alongside you:
Meet people from a range of disciplines going through the same experience
Learn from and comment on each other’s answers
Share your experiences in lunchtime Chats
Swap tips for taking on the students’ questions
📚 Resource Library
Use the Library section of the Academy site to find all the currently available resources related to the questions.
All links have been curated by UWE Science Communication lecturer Dr. Hannah Little and the I’m a Scientist Team. These resources provide more information about best practices and the thinking behind them, and provoke reflection around your own engagement.
🪜 Evidence your development
Complete the Academy course by answering all six questions. After the event you’ll be presented with a certificate evidencing your development and demonstrating the effort you’ve put into your CPD.
How to join the course
Access to the Academy course for STEM professionals taking part in I’m a Scientist, I’m an Engineer, or I’m a Mathematician. Tell us you would like to join by emailing support@imascientist.ie.
