LHComedy: UK - The creation of a sustainable interactive comedy show that guides the audience through the scientific methodology.

In 2013, CERN's first ever stand-up comedy event, LHComedy: CERN after Dark, saw CERN affiliated scientists and professional science communicators take to the stage to explain high-level research through stand-up. The event was extremely successful and engaged a live audience of 300 extra-CERN Geneva locals, 10,000 international online viewers (5,000 from UK) and was covered by international media outlets. We now intend to expand the LHComedy vehicle in the UK through the creation of a live, interactive comedy show, LHComedy: UK, aimed at exposing GCSE student/teacher/parent and general public adult audiences to the scientific method and cutting edge research.

The show has several key aims:

1) Introduce the scientific methodology

Many forms of scientific outreach concentrate on explaining aspects of high level science, but few explain the scientific process itself. UK Government research shows that approximately a third of the general public say they do not understand the scientific methodology of hypothesis testing, analysis and peer review [http://tinyurl.com/o6r4dvj]. This is a significant barrier preventing the general public from engaging with science. In addition, the UK Key Stage 3 (GCSE) exam board physics specifications now include a principle focus on teaching students "how science works" [http://tinyurl.com/ky8mmd4]. These specifications can be difficult and tedious to teach using traditional methods and require a more interactive approach. We intend to introduce audiences to the scientific methodology and engage them with activities that are exciting and amusing, allowing them to "learn by doing" and guide the outcome of each show. Understanding the scientific method is essential if GCSE students are going to continue to persevere with physics.

2) Allow CERN affiliated scientists (and professional science communicators) to interact directly with audiences

The popularity and impact of communicators like Brian Cox, Dara O'Brien and shows such as The Infinite Monkey Cage indicate that getting large demographics to engage with science means making the people presenting the scientific information sociable, approachable and relatable. Combining science and comedy, and allowing active CERN affiliated scientific researchers and professional scientific communicators to interact directly with audiences, not only creates excitement and offers significant gravitas to disseminated material, but also counteracts the negative stereotypes of physicists e.g. by presenting female physics role models. We can also challenge the "Big Bang Theory" stereotype of physicists as anti-social. Combined with making science more relevant, fun and appealing, this helps to draw the next generation to career paths in scientific research (at the pivotal GCSE stage). Experiential learning is also particularly effective for engaging students in under-performing schools.

In addition, the project challenges CERN affiliated researchers to explain their work and lifestyle in an engaging and entertaining manner. This improves their communication skills and provides an element of training.

3) Legacy and sustainability

The LHComedy project has created an on-going two way discussion between active CERN scientists and professional scientific communicators/comedians. We aim to continue this partnership so that novel ways of disseminating scientific information can be suggested and discussed by both sides.

The structure of the proposed new show (see following sections) can also be repurposed to explain the scientific method with reference to advances in any other science. We hope to produce a show that inspires spin off performances.

4) Impact assessment

Several vehicles have attempted to use comedy to engage audiences with high-level science. However, there is little evidence as to its efficacy. We will collect thorough online and live audience feedback to help fill the gaps in the existing literature.

Raising potential audience awareness

In order to engage as many people as possible, LHComedy: UK must be highly visible. Awareness will be raised in several ways:

1) Schools will be contacted directly to invite them to shows.

We will target schools directly to efficiently meet the project objectives. First preference will be given to schools from multi-deprived areas and with significant student populations that are under-represented in STEM fields e.g. all girls schools. Several schools with high free school meals %s have all ready been identified and have expressed an interest in hosting show performances.

2) A dedicated social media campaign will be undertaken.

In the run up to (and following) the prototype events, a dedicated social media manager (Dr Ben Still) will maintain a strong social media presence for the project. The project personnel are, or have strong links with, individuals with a strong online presence e.g. Brian Cox, Robin Ince etc

- Project personnel

Several project personnel (and their related activities) have large, established follower bases on Twitter, Facebook etc e.g. Helen Arney, Lieven Scheire, Festival of the Spoken Nerd.

- Project associated organisations and contacts

CERN/LHC are firm supporters of LHComedy and command millions of followers worldwide. They are likely to support any advertising.

3) Traditional media outlets will be contacted

Many high profile worldwide media outlets covered the initial LHComedy: CERN after Dark show and several of these were UK based e.g. The Guardian and The Independent. If the LHComedy project expands into the UK, it is highly likely that they would be interested in covering the event again.

4) Prototype events will initially be held at a high impact to maximise interest.

The Royal Institution, Science Museum and Royal Society are all interested in hosting prototype events.


Raising awareness within the science communication community

We would also like to raise awareness of what we are attempting to achieve within the science communication community.

In writing and developing the show we will encourage and nurture discussion between high level scientists and professional
performers. Over a period of several months we will host science master classes and performance workshops to create and develop ideas for the show (with a Google+ connection available to limit travel required). Scientists will present a master class of basic physics and high level research work to affiliated professional performers in the science master classes. In return the professionals will lead workshops developing the scientists public engagement skills and produce engaging content for LHComedy: UK. These master classes provide an element of performance training for the amateur scientific performers and raise the scientific literacy of the professionals. The conversation will continue outside of these sessions as each party processes the skills and knowledge. For instance, it will feed directly into the delivery of a session at the BIG Event 2015 by Suzie Sheehy.

This format efficiently facilitates knowledge transfer, creates a mutual respect for each profession's creative practice and seeds further collaboration. The success of the project can be evaluated by the continued interaction and collaboration between the scientists and professional performers involved.

We strongly intend for these regular workshops/master classes to continue, as an science communication industry standard, long after the current project proposal period has expired. Further funding or sponsorship may be sought for this from additional sources after they are established. These workshops/master classes have the potential to form the basis for a future informal science communication platform and could be connected with other networks such as the British Science Association or British Interactive Group.