Science in the Space Shed

The aims of Science in the Space shed are to:

1) Inspire children, young people and their families to pursue studies and careers in STEM subjects and the space sector,

2) Provide inspiration to women of all ages with a gender balanced, inspirational programme of scientific speakers.

3) Create a longlasting legacy for the activity by recording, editing, publishing and promoting the interviews as podcasts.

We will do this by presenting a series of scientific talks and science-related music performances at major music festivals in summer 2018, bringing accessible and gender-positive STFC science to a diverse range of festival-goers in an informal setting.

Science in the Space Shed will go to three major music and arts festivals with science content - Blue Dot (Jodrell Bank, Lancashire), The Great Musuem at the Great Exhibition of the North (Newcastle) and Green Man (Brecon Beacons, Wales) - to deliver a programme of conversations, interactive events and science-inspired music, with a theme of particle physics, accelerator physics, astronomy and astrophysics. The project will run as a pilot for (we hope) more events in the future and is underpinned by high calibre of speakers that is focussed on gender balance and general diversity of speakers. The Unlimied Space Agency has a strong track record of delivering this sort of activity in the field of astronomy and space science and this pilot evolves the expertise into particle, accelerator and more astrophysics.

How do we meet the strategy of STFC?

Showcasing STFC Science and Technology. The curated (and subsequently podcast) series of gender-positive science conversations with high profile speakers will focus on the core STFC science areas of space, accelerator and particle physics. Both Rob and Jon have a network of contacts to cover all these areas, and the conversations will highlight the achievements of the UK programme.

Building the right partnerships. Science in the Space Shed builds a relationship with three large music/arts festivals, with an audience base interested in modern science

Developing and supporting STEM influencers. Both Rob and Jon have a strong track record in public engagement, and will be brought together to work as a team though this project.

Improving our reach with diverse audiences. The project does not explicitly target diverse audiences but festival audiences will contain a broad cross-section of people. Dr Appleby will use expertise gained as PI of Tactile Collider to respond to VI audience members.

Delivering High Quality Public engagement activities and outcomes. The planned programme of science conversations and performances is high quality, with a strong track record on delivering events from the project team.

The core output of Science in the Space Shed is the science conversations and performances at the music festivals. This includes Science in the House and How I Hacked My Way Into Space. The conversations will be recorded and, after the summer programme is complete, edited into a coherent series of podcasts. These will showcase the STFC science and the UK programme, and will be edited into an accessible format and length. The podcast will be freely available for download and advertised through podcast channels and science communication outlets.

The twitter account used for audience interactions during the music performances and for science questions will be retained for future reference, and advertised.

Finally an article will be written of the event experience and highlights for arts and science magazines, journals and websites (e.g. The Conversation, Medium, Arts Council), advertising the podcasts and twitter account.

Jon and Rob will look to perform the event at future festivals beyond 2018.