Science on the buses : Brighton

Lead Research Organisation: University of Sussex
Department Name: Sch of Mathematical & Physical Sciences

Abstract

Science on the buses will take fascinating scientific research out of the universities and museums and put it on regular bus routes. Inspired by the long-running "Poetry on the Underground" project, Science on the Buses will be launched in Brighton, coinciding with the British Science Festival in September 2017. Brighton & Hove buses are providing two bendy buses for one year, which will be transformed into "#physbus" and "#astrobus", and will be used to showcase STFC-funded research in particle physics and astronomy using stunning visuals on the inside and outside of the vehicles. Questions like "What did the LHC ever do for us?", "How do we know what stars are made of?", "What is a byte?", and "Who owns the airwaves?" will be addressed using artwork created by a partnership of professional scientists and artists. Commuters can also get to know local scientists at the University of Sussex through portraits and profiles on the inside of the buses, through short filmed interviews on the web, and through regular pre-announced 'curated' bus journeys, where passengers can ask real scientists any burning questions they have in the fields of physics and astronomy.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description STFC Public Engagement Large Award
Amount £38,562 (GBP)
Funding ID ST/R000379/1 
Organisation Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 07/2017 
End 06/2018
 
Description Pig & Applestock 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Went to the Pig & Applestock festival, showcasing films and artwork from 'science on buses' project and engaging with children, teachers, and general public on potential future collaborations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.applestock.co.uk/
 
Description Science On Buses 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Two buses on the 25 route in Brighton decorated inside and out with astronomy and particle physics research. Development of website and apps. Project to complete in Summer 2018.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017,2018
URL http://www.scienceonbuses.com
 
Description Science On Buses Website 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Website includes films of Sussex physicists and astronomers talking about their work and life, and links to more information about the research we are undertaking. The website has reached 1000 people over the last year.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://scienceonbuses.com/
 
Description WOMAD 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Went to WOMAD festival as part of the physics pavillion team, showcased "science on buses" films and artwork.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://womad.co.uk/experience/physics/