General description of the course from CARDET (Cyprus)

Title: “The role of Public Engagement in Scientists' Professional Development – the role of Scientists”

Author's of module: Centre for Advancement of Research and Development in Educational Technology LTD (CARDET), Cyprus

The module consists of two activities in a workshop format, entailing both group work (2,5 hours) and a single activity entailing individual work (1,5 hours).

In this module, participants will have the opportunity:

•  to evaluate the impact of public engagement,
•  to explore ways of integrating public engagement as part of their professional development,
•  to execute strategic initiatives.

 Participants must also work with materials available on http://project-stage.eu/.

Duration of course: 4 hours

Target group: Scientists, Researchers, Early Career Researchers, Faculty members involved in science communication activities, Science communicators, Science communication students

Expertise needed per target group: The target groups need no prior expertise.

Objectives: 

• Evaluate the impact of public engagement on professional growth by analysing benefits and addressing challenges
• Recognise the impact public engagement has on continuing professional development through goal-setting and planning
• Execute a strategic public engagement initiative by applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and selecting appropriate methods for successful implementation

Assessment:

Participants will choose one of the following ways to present their work:

1. Self-Reflection Paragraph: write a paragraph of 100 words including the following key points:
2. 5-minute Elevator Pitch: imagine you are in an elevator with a friend or scientist colleague having 5 minutes to inform him/her as to what you have learned during the activities.
3. Tweetstorm: Write an X (Twitter) thread (up to 20 threads) to inform others of the key takeaways you learned during the activities.

For each of the above, participants should respond to the following questions:

• How do your individual values shape and influence your approach to public engagement?
•  Which skills crucial for effective public engagement have you recognised, and what specific strategies have you identified to overcome challenges in public engagement?

Reflecting on your initiative: Can you outline your steps in planning and executing a public engagement initiative? What overall impact does it have, and what key lessons have you learned for future engagements?

The course consists of 3 basic activities:

1. Evaluate the Impact of Public Engagement on Professional Growth
2. How scientists can make public engagement part of their professional development.
3. Implementing Public Engagement Initiatives

Tools: All handout materials can be used in a digital or printed format.

For more information, please, click here.