Skip to main content
COMMUNITY:
Peer-reviewed article

Why people attend science festivals: Interests, motivations and self-reported benefits of public engagement with research.

October 31, 2012 | Public Programs
As a form of public engagement, science festivals have rapidly expanded in size and number over recent years. However, as with other domains of informal public engagement that are not linked to policy outcomes, existing research does not fully address science festivals’ impacts and popularity. This study adduces evidence from surveys and focus groups to elucidate the perspectives of visitors at a large UK science festival. Results show that visitors value the opportunities afforded by the science festival to interact with scientific researchers and to encounter different types of science engagement aimed at adults, children and families. The most significant self-reported impact of attending a science festival is the development of increased interest in and curiosity about new areas of scientific knowledge within a socially stimulating and enjoyable setting.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • DSC 3392
    Author
    University of Warwick
  • Nicola Buckley
    Author
    University of Cambridge
  • Citation

    DOI : 10.1177/0963662512458624
    Publication Name: Public Understanding of Science
    Volume: 23
    Number: 5
    Page Number: 557-573
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: General STEM
    Audience: General Public | Museum/ISE Professionals | Scientists
    Environment Type: Public Programs | Public Events and Festivals

    If you would like to edit a resource, please email us to submit your request.