Written evidence submitted by Philip Bradfield (COM0113)
First: please clarify what BIS stands for (in this context)!
• Do you have any role models who work in science or are scientists?
YES
o If so who are they?
Lord Rees, Sir David Attenborough,
Prof. Jim Alkhalili
Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Prof. Brian Cox
o Do you feel that these role models are diverse?
yes - but in what sense fo diverse ?
gender, age, discipline, media mode/impact ?
• What do you think of the way the media portrays science?
variously: some very good portrayals/exposure
o What could the media could do to make science more understandable?
give more time (especially TV)
o Do you think that the media could make science more accessible?
give more time (especially TV)
• Have you seen any campaigns to encourage a diverse range of people to study or work in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects?
STEMNET, Lab in a Lorry (Inst of Physics) etc
o If so where did you see or hear about this?
I volunteer myself (STEM AMBASSADOR)
o Did you think that this was effective?
Yes - more could be done (£££/staff)
o How would you make it more effective?
facilitate school attendance/hosting of such events
• Have you seen any adverts raising awareness of science? This could be from the Government or private organisations
some eg
Inst of Physics publicity!
Edinburgh Int'l. Science Festival
o Do you think that the advertising of the sciences could be more effective?
yes
o If so, what would you suggest?
more school visits by science communicators, and visits BY schools to appropriate bases/events
o Does this advertising encourage you to engage with science?
yes
• Do you take part in science based activities in your spare time? E.g. making rockets or astronomy?
STEM Ambassador/Volunteer
o How did you get involved with this?
STEMNET East; Inst of Physics
Helping a local primary school with their Junior Saltire Wave Energy extractor project
o Do you think that there is enough awareness about these leisure activities?
No - let the community know what is going on
(and financial support)
• Do you go to science museums or exhibitions?
yes
o If you do, do you think that these are engaging?
yes
o Do you think science museums or exhibitions are a good way to encourage people to study or work in science?
Only up to a point - hands-on events equally necessary
o Is there anything stopping you going to museums or exhibitions about science?
not really - I DO go!