Written evidence submitted by Ms Sarah Hurson (COM0117)

         Do you have any role models who work in science or are scientists?

         If so who are they?

Professor Jim Al-Khalili; Professor Alice Roberts; Professor Brian Cox; Professor Neil DeGrasse-Tyson

         Do you feel that these role models are diverse?

There is a degree of diversity, but I feel that women are under-represented, particularly women of colour

         What do you think of the way the media portrays science?

         What could the media could do to make science more understandable?

The media could be much more responsible in their reporting of science, and make it clearer if a study has certain limitations or drawbacks, rather than disseminating exaggerated or over-simplified claims

         Do you think that the media could make science more accessible?

If science reporting was more responsible as outlined above, it would seem less confusing and contradictory to members of the public

         Have you seen any campaigns to encourage a diverse range of people to study or work in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects?

         If so where did you see or hear about this?

I have seen campaigns to recruit more women to STEM subjects

         Did you think that this was effective?

I’m not sure how effective it has been; from what I’ve seen there has not been a great increase in the number of women choosing STEM subjects at University

         How would you make it more effective?

I think that the link between STEM subjects and everyday life (eg electrical engineering, computing technology linking to smartphones, wearable technology & the Internet of Things) could be made clearer in schools at a much younger age, so that children of all backgrounds are encouraged to take an interest and pursue subjects in that field

         Have you seen any adverts raising awareness of science? This could be from the Government or private organisations

o   I don’t recall seeing any adverts, although I have seen “Women in STEM” campaigns on social media

         Do you take part in science based activities in your spare time? E.g. making rockets or astronomy?

o   I do not take part in science-based activities, but I have volunteered with the local Science Festival

July 2016