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Peer-reviewed article

Preaching to the Scientifically Converted: Evaluating Inclusivity in Science Festival Audiences

September 21, 2017 | Public Programs
Scientific institutions are increasingly embracing values of inclusivity and public engagement, but how do these two dimensions intersect? Science festivals have rapidly expanded in recent years as an outgrowth of these values, aiming to engage and educate the public about scientific topics and research. While resources invested in public engagement by scientists, universities, and governments are admirable in principle; this study indicates that their ambition to broaden the reach of science may be going unrealized in practice. Using data from three major UK science festivals, we demonstrate such events are disproportionately reaching economically privileged and educated audiences already invested in science, as opposed to diverse and broadly representative samples of the general public. Our results demonstrate that these science festivals are falling short of their aims to make science accessible to a broad audience. There is a clear need for improved practices and on-going evaluation to ensure science festivals include those who are not already scientifically converted.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Eric B. Kennedy
    Author
    Arizona State University
  • DSC 3392
    Author
    University of Warwick
  • Screen Shot 2020 04 28 at 09 55 04
    Author
    Institute for Learning Innovation
  • Citation

    DOI : 10.1080/21548455.2017.1371356
    Publication Name: International Journal of Science Education, Part B
    Volume: 7
    Number: 4
    Resource Type: Research | Research Products
    Discipline: General STEM
    Audience: General Public | Museum/ISE Professionals | Scientists | Evaluators | Learning Researchers
    Environment Type: Public Programs | Public Events and Festivals
    Access and Inclusion: Low Socioeconomic Status

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