Report
Mapping and analysis of science engagement and inequity in the UK
The British Science Association (BSA) commissioned London Economics to support their development of a set of indicators and an index for science engagement and inequity across the United Kingdom. In creating a map of science engagement, this analysis is not just intended to be a means of identifying those regions and sub-regions where science engagement provision is most prevalent, but equally as importantly, a means to highlight gaps in science engagement provision, inequities, and areas for development.
In developing the index, the BSA
- is aiming to identify and develop data that would allow widespread measurement across localities, particularly of the economic and geographic context that the individuals live in;
- is developing a set of indicators such that the overall index can be updated over time, so as to assess how science engagement evolves going forward;
- is taking a broad view of science and STEM, with science engagement recognising that people and communities across the UK have many opportunities to interact with science and scientists in different formal and informal settings and locations; and
- is considering engagement across all age groups and contexts, including but not limited to science/STEM education; museums and discovery centres; science festivals; university-led activity and engagement; local science business; citizen science; STEM industry and the STEM workforce.
The outputs of this project are aimed at science engagement funders, delivery organisations, and policymakers who could take steps within their work to enable more equitable science engagement. For example, by targeting their resources or activities towards localities or demographic groups who have been historically overlooked by science engagement.
