Science centres and science and society projects
The Scottish Executive supports science engagement through a grant programme run by the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser, established in August 2006. Supported projects may complement and enhance the school curriculum, take science into communities across Scotland, provide professional development for science communicators, or further the aims of the Scottish Science Centres Network Strategy.
Collaboration is a key theme, and many of the funded projects involve partnerships with several organisations, to prevent duplication, share best practice, and ensure good value for money.
How can I get funding for my project?
Applications for small grants (up to £30,000) will close at 12 noon on 1 August 2007. You are advised to complete an 'Expression of Interest' form before applying, to make sure your project is within the scope of our grant scheme. Email ScienceEngagement@scotland.gsi.gov.uk and you will be sent further information and the relevant forms. Please note that for 2007-08 we are keen to hear about projects involving a wide public audience, covering contemporary science considerations, and with an element of match-funding from other sources.
I've got an idea for a project but I'm not sure it would qualify for funding?
Register your interest at ScienceEngagement@scotland.gsi.gov.uk and you'll be sent a short summary form to fill in. The information you provide will help us to assess whether your project is eligible for further consideration. There will be a limited fund available and final decisions will be made in the context of the quality and total number of applications received.
What projects have been funded this year?
Since 2004, the following four members of the Scottish Science Centres Network have received funding for day-to-day operations and for projects that meet the aims of the Network's Strategy:
- Satrosphere Science Centre, Aberdeen
- Sensation, Dundee
- Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
- Glasgow Science Centre
In addition, for the financial year 2006/07 the following organisations were awarded grants for specific science engagement or communication projects:
The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science): for BA activity in Scotland 2006-07, including discussion events in rural areas and training/development of volunteers in BA branches.
Deafness Research UK: to develop and tour in Scotland an outreach show and events for school pupils, and people affected by hearing loss.
Edinburgh International Science Festival: support for the 2007 Festival and 2006-07 touring programme to schools across Scotland.
Glasgow Science Centre: in addition to operational support, grants were awarded to support the following projects:
· Chemistry Matters - Series of Chemistry workshops and shows developed for a range of school/public audiences in collaboration with Sensation.
· Clyde in the Classroom - Collaborative project with Clyde River Foundation and others involving a 'classroom hatchery' which sees trout looked after by pupils and subsequently released into the Clyde.
· Maad Skillz - Collaboration with Edinburgh International Science Festival, Napier University and Queen Margaret University College to deliver workshops for teenagers in GSC, Sensation and Satrosphere showing new research and relevance of science to elements of hip-hop culture.
· Molecular Machines, Images from Virus Research - Medical Research Council co-funded sci-art exhibition for all Network centres showing virus images from MRC Virology Unit.
· Science Circus Outreach Delivery Enhancement Programme - Project involving Royal Observatory Edinburgh to take astronomy activities to remote areas.
· Transport Subsidy - To contribute to the transport costs of economically deprived or remote area schools who have until now not visited the science centre before.
Headstart: for 'summer school' courses providing young people with experience of science courses at universities in Scotland.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise : for a Highlands and Islands STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) project to map current provision of activities, identify gaps and scope future needs in the region.
Moray College: to support the 14th Moray Science Festival, in 2007.
Orkney Science Festival: to support its 2006 schools programme.
Our Dynamic Earth: in addition to operational support, grants were awarded to support the following projects:
· Martian Mechanics - Lego Robots workshops and activities to enhance school workshops.
· Outreach Collaboration Project with the Scottish Seabird Centre - extension of outreach partnership to schools in Lothian and Borders areas.
· Redevelopment of Polar Gallery - Comprehensive upgrade and improvements to part of ODE's exhibition.
· Redevelopment of Stratosphere Dome - improvements to create an exhibit out of an architectural feature on the main floor.
· Transport Subsidy - To contribute to the transport costs of economically deprived or remote area schools who have until now not visited the science centre before.
Rowett Research Institute: for ScienceSnaps, an initiative to take current research being carried out in the north east of Scotland to a public audience, through local radio.
Royal Observatory Edinburgh : for Dark Sky Scotland, an initiative involving the Forestry Commission, Careers Scotland, Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Glasgow Science Centre and other partners, taking astronomy to a public audience across the rural north and south of Scotland.
Satrosphere Science Centre: in addition to operational support, grants were awarded to support the following projects:
· Energy Futures Zone - Range of exhibits and activities to reflect Aberdeen's expertise and heritage in the oil and gas sector, and in the growing debate on renewable and other energies.
· Transport Subsidy - To contribute to the transport costs of economically deprived or remote area schools who have until now not visited the science centre before.
Science 03: to support the 2007 Caithness Science Festival.
Sensation: in addition to operational support, grants were awarded to support the following projects:
· Careers Education Programme - Activities including staff placements in industry, to enhance Sensation's careers information.
· Feasibility study - Study to look at feasibility of extending Sensation to create space to offer teacher CPD and related programmes.
· Minor building/exhibition upgrades - General upgrades of education room and exhibition area.
· Upgrade of Education Programme - Range of equipment and development of new workshop activities.
· Transport Subsidy - To contribute to the transport costs of economically deprived or remote area schools who have until now not visited the science centre before.
Setpoint Scotland North: in support of the 2006 TechFest: Festival of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and the Nuffield School Bursary Scheme celebration event.
University of Edinburgh (Institute for Cell Biology): for a partnership project with Our Dynamic Earth and the Scottish Association for Marine Science, involving current research projects.
University of Glasgow: to support a science festival in celebration of the Hunterian Museum's bicentenary; develop and establish a new MSc course in science communication, currently not on offer in Scotland; extend a previous research project (the ROSE survey) in conjunction with the Scottish Science Centres Network; and build capacity in preparation for the merger of the two SETPOINT contracts currently in the west of Scotland.
University of Strathclyde (Division of Pharmaceutical Services): for a partnership project involving Glasgow Science Centre and Sensation to develop events for schools and the public on the subject of medicines.