ISOTOPE is an ongoing two-year NESTA-funded research project. The project team are using an action research approach to inform the co-production of an open source web portal of advice and guidance for those interested in participating science outreach and public engagement activities. Research findings gathered by the project will be disseminated through the usual academic channels, and to a sharing group, which will include both internal and external parties.
The ISOTOPE project involves members of the academic staff of the Faculty of Science (both centrally and nationally) at the Open University (OU), the broader academic community, other relevant stakeholders, and members of the public in the co-production - design, delivery and evaluation - of an online repository of critically informed practical advice for scientists who conduct science outreach and public engagement activities. A key aim of the project is to develop an evidence-based approach to co-produce practical advice that informs current attempts to raise the profile of science outreach and public engagement activities across the higher education sector.
The research fellow working on the project will coordinate the commissioning process for the science outreach and public engagement materials, and conduct the formative and summative action research phases of the project. The research will involve two phases of focus group interviews; participant observation of a series of science outreach and public engagement activities; and a questionnaire-based study.
The Management Team, which has overall responsibility for the project, includes Dr Richard Holliman and Professor Peter Taylor (seen right), the researcher, and representatives of the five academic disciplines in the Science Faculty (OU).
(Photo Poppy Berry)
The ISOTOPE Project will be complimented by a second project conducted at the Institute of Advanced Studies at the University of Bristol, led by Professor Kathy Sykes.
A Sharing Group will be developed involving members of both project teams, Patrick Tissington (who is coordinating the Sharing Group – seen right with Richard and Peter), representatives from NESTA, the BBC and a range of other stakeholders (including representatives from higher education institutions).
(Photo Poppy Berry)
If you would like to know more about the ISOTOPE Project you can contact Dr Richard Holliman
