Researchers, are you interested in taking part in the 2024 FUTURES Festival of Discovery?
Take a look at the activities you can get involved in...
Scroll down for the APPLICATION FORM
WHAT IS THE FUTURES FESTIVAL?
FUTURES is a festival of discovery that celebrates the research and innovation taking place right across the South West of England, with over 300 researchers participating in a wide range of public events.
WHY GET INVOLVED?
FUTURES is a unique opportunity to engage a broad audience with your research. You’ll not only raise awareness about your research but also discuss ideas that may shape the research and its impacts on society, and develop your skills in public engagement with research.
WHEN IS FUTURES?
FUTURES will take place across various dates in September and October 2024, and some activity continues into 2025.
FUTURES ACTIVITIES AT BRISTOL
We are looking for researchers to be involved in various activities. These include:
Up Late @ S.S. Great Britain – Friday 27 September 2024, 18:00-21:00
Showcase your research at an evening’s “take over” of Brunel’s SS Great Britain. We are looking for researchers/ research groups to take part in our Up Late Research Fair. Your interactive exhibit will give visitors a chance to see into the exciting world of research.
This could include table-top activities or “show and tell” style showcases, should inspire children, families and individuals to be curious, think about how big challenges are overcome and consider becoming scientists and researchers.
“Up Late was really enjoyable as I had more time to interact with individuals and this time allowed greater exploration of the subject.” Researcher
“My daughter (7 years old) was really engaged in lots of the research…At the end she said ‘I don’t want to leave.” Participant
You will attend training giving you a range of techniques to communicate your research and will get support to develop an exhibit that shows how your research is relevant to a wide variety of people.
Delivering an exciting exhibit will give you a platform to have conversations about your research, highlight its relevance to societal and environmental challenges, and an opportunity to hear responses from members of the public.
This event is a free ticket event marketed at adults and families.
Schools Research Fair @ S.S. Great Britain – MARCH 2025 9:00-15:00
Showcase your research to school children (aged 9-13 years) during this interactive, busy school research fair. Deliver hands-on experiments, demos and simulations, designed to engage pupils in novel ways.
Whether you deliver an exhibit as an individual or as part of a group, your exhibit will introduce the relevance of research in investigating environmental and societal problems and inspire pupils to be curious, think about how big challenges are overcome and consider becoming scientists and researchers.
“I did the Schools Research Fair and was amazed at how interested the kids were and how excited they were.” Researcher
Taking part in the training and the event will improve your communication skills, build your confidence in presenting your research and give you the skills to simplify complicated research without losing its essence.
I’m a Researcher: Ask Me Anything! – Online, September and October 2024
These are one-hour online chat-based question-and-answer events on social news website, Reddit. You can reach a large international audience from the comfort of your own home or office, all you need is a laptop and an hour of your time during the event and an extra 30 minutes a few days later.
To find out more before applying, email the University of Bath’s Public Engagement Unit (public-engagement@bath.ac.uk).
WHO CAN SIGN UP?
Individual researchers, research teams and postgraduate research students from all faculties are encouraged to apply. FUTURES is open to those who are new to public engagement/FUTURES and to those who have previous experience. Please note that places are limited.
WHAT SUPPORT WILL I GET?
Before you apply to be part of FUTURES, you are encouraged to speak to a Public Engagement Associate about ideas for your exhibit. Email futures-project@bristol.ac.uk to arrange a Teams meeting.
For successful applicants, we will provide:
- Access to a suite of short online training modules produced by the University’s Public Engagement Team, which introduce key concepts in Public Engagement with Research for researchers at any career stage, including “How to engage at Festivals and Fairs”.
- Dedicated FUTURES training session that will build your confidence in designing an engaging exhibit, give you the skills to hook audiences into your research, encourage others to be inquisitive, and improve your communication skills.
- Bespoke support from the FUTURES team, including event logistics.
- A modest budget is available for exhibit consumables, to be discussed with the FUTURES Team.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
If you’re interested in taking part in the FUTURES Festival, complete our FUTURES Application Form.
The deadline for applications is Friday 5th July, 11:59 pm
We’re also running online FUTURES Information Sessions: come along and find out more about the Festival. Email the FUTURES Team (futures-project@bristol.ac.uk) for more details.
