Distinguished iNANO Lecture:Talking Science: What? Why? How? Helping Universities Adapt to a Changing World

Research associate Djuke Veldhuis, Department of Biological anthropology, Cambridge Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, UK

Talking Science: What? Why? How?

Helping Universities Adapt to a Changing World

As scientists there are many demands on our time. The phrase often used is ‘publish or perish’ and that is before you consider the demands of teaching and administrative duties. As a result ‘public engagement’ is something we often merely pay lip service to. However, I am going to argue that a culture change is needed in our universities to ensure that science makes the vital and strategic contribution to 21^st-century society.

This lecture will explore public engagement and the myriad of ways in which the activity and benefits of higher education and research can be shared with the public. Engagement is by definition a two-way process, involving interaction and listening, with the goal of generating mutual benefit. From blogging and social media to citizen science and science festivals, I will discuss different types of public engagement, the impact they have on universities, staff and students as well as society.  This isn't a grand philosophical discussion - if you get involved now, your research and the funding available for it will benefit today.

Host: Jens Chr. Skou Junior Fellow, Associate professor Rikke Schmidt Kjærgaard, AIAS & iNANO, Aarhus University

Coffee, tea and bread will be served from 9:45 in front of the auditorium