Pioneering Outreach and Public Engagement in STEAM Conference

5 July 2024

The Absolute Chemistry Research Group and Centre for Educational Research at Liverpool John Moores University are pleased to host the first Pioneering Outreach and Public Engagement in STEAM Conference.

This one-day conference will bring together key thinkers and practitioners committed to equitable education working across Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). These outreach and public engagement innovators will come together to share practical insights and research findings that empower their practice as pioneers of STEAM. The conference will explore current and pioneering practices of Public Engagement, Outreach and Widening Participation striving for equity throughout education.

Programme

Click here to view the full Programme Schedule (PDF, 246KB).

Click here to view the Conference Abstract Booklet (PDF, 311KB).

Programme outline

9.30 to 10am: Arrival, Registration and Refreshments at Student Life Building (Second Floor), LJMU

10.00 to 10.10am: Opening Address - Professor Zoe Knowles, Professor of Engagement and Learning

10.10 to 10.50am: Keynote Address - Professor Laura Colucci-Gray, University of Edinburgh

11am to 12pm: Parallel Session One: Contributed Talks (20-minutes, see programme on the day)

12.00 to 12.45pm: Parallel Session Two: Lightning Talks (Rapid 5-minute sessions to introduce the work of colleagues before networking lunch)

12.45 to 1.30pm: Lunch and Networking

1.30 to 2.15pm: Second Keynote - Professor Andy Newsam, Liverpool John Moores University

2.30 to 3.15pm: Parallel Session Three: Contributed Talks (20-minutes, see programme on the day)

3.15 to 3.30pm: Break and Refreshments

3.30 to 4.30pm: Roundtable (All attendees invited to share insights on topical issues and themes within Public Engagement and Outreach)

4.30 to 4.45pm: Call to Action and Closing Remarks - Prof Keith George, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange)

5.00 to 6.00pm: Informal Drinks Reception and Further Networking Opportunity

Keynote Talks

Professor Laura Colucci-Gray, University of Edinburgh

“Beyond the veil: Reconfiguring STEAM for a Sustainable and Equitable Science Education”

As an acronym, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) stands alone, with no past and no future, it has become a passe-partout for gaining access to funding for scientific research and to support public engagement and outreach, with a view to engage wider communities of citizens and students in schools. Yet, STEAM as an assemblage of very distinct bodies of disciplinary knowledge, each one with their own histories, methods and particular ways to relate with the world, is not a neutral term. It encompasses contrasting and conflicting agendas which have been longstanding features in the history of science and its relationship with the environment and with society. In this talk, I will offer a series of case-study examples of STEAM education to argue for a radical shift in the ways in which we approach the potential of reconfiguring STEAM drawing upon its own potential for reconfiguration. Challenging disembodied and instrumental narratives of knowledge, I will put forward the enactment of transdisciplinary, socio-material practices, that are situated, participatory, diverse and constantly in-the-making.

Professor Andy Newsam, Liverpool John Moores University

“A Universe for All: Public Engagement, Impact and the REF”

The status of outreach and public engagement with research has undergone a sea change in recent years, with the concept of impact, and its significance in the REF, leading to many universities investing in and supporting engagement as a core activity. However, that increased visibility and consequence has led to some challenges. In particular, the very specific definition of Impact within the REF creates complications when designing, developing, delivering, and evaluating engagement activities. Here I discuss some of these issues and use the specific example of the Schools' Observatory project to show how successful engagement and REF Impact Case Studies can co-exist.

Attending on the Day

The conference will be held at LJMU's Student Life building (2nd Floor):

Student Life Building
Copperas Hill
Liverpool
Merseyside
L3 5GE

Travel and Accommodation

Travelling by train

Liverpool is easily accessible by train from all major cities in the UK, the journey from London will take just over two hours. There are connections from both Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Once in Liverpool, the Merseyrail train network has good links to other parts of the city region. Please note that rail travel may be impacted by rail industrial action, we suggest checking for rail strike updates before travelling.

Travelling by plane

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is only seven miles from the city centre and Manchester Airport is just a 45 minute drive. There are connections from both Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Travelling by car

The Liverpool City Region is well connected to the UK motorway network. From the M62: at the end of the motorway continue straight ahead onto Edge Lane (A5080 then A5047) and follow signs for Liverpool City Centre and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Visit NCP, YourParkingSpace or Liverpool.GOV.UK for full details of city car parking facilities.

Mount Pleasant Campus

While there is no onsite parking at the University, there are plenty of car parking options in the immediate area within easy walking distance. There is a car park located on Mount Pleasant and on Brownlow Hill.

Check the closing time for any car parks you are thinking of using on the day.

Useful travel websites

Accommodation

If you are looking for accommodation, Visit Liverpool has a searchable database, which contains many places to stay to suit all budgets and needs.

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