National Forum for Public Engagement with STEM

Engaging the public with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) is vital to a thriving science system: for scientific literacy, developing future scientists and engineers, and for improving social justice and social inclusion.

In 2012, the Wellcome Trust published a review of Informal Science Learning, which identified the need for greater collaboration, co-operation and learning across the sector. The National Forum for Public Engagement for STEM was established, following this review in 2014. The collective priorities of the Forum are:

• Improving models and approaches to funding;
• Engaging underserved audiences;
• Ensuring more effective evaluation;
• Development and sharing of evidence, knowledge, resources and activity.

In 2015, the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) was awarded the contract to act as secretariat for the Forum. Working with the NCCPE, I have supported the work of the secretariat and the Forum. My work includes:

• Preparing and planning of Forum meetings and working groups
• Developing reports and synthesis
• Facilitating expert input to stimulate strategic thinking and planning
• Facilitating events and workshops
• Maintaining and updating the Forum website