What is EBSOC and why do we want staff and students to get involved? What is EBSOC?Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre (EBSOC) is a purpose-built public engagement laboratory space at the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush Campus, for use with visiting groups.EBSOC has capacity for up to 25 adults or 33 children and is a flexible space, equipped with research-grade laboratory equipment.Why get involved with EBSOC?We want to increase everyone's science capital and give visitors to EBSOC a postive and realistic experience of science. EBSOC provides a space where visitors can experience hands-on, interactive actvities linked to real-world research and/or clinical work and provides opportunities to meet scientists and clinicians.Getting involved with EBSOC activities gives you an opportunity to engage with a range of non-specialist audiences, from school pupils and teachers to community groups and international visitors, providing an accessible and non-threatening platform to talk about your research and raise its profile with our visitors.EBSOC workshops for young people also aim to provide inspiration around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) subjects and careers in science, and we are particularly keen to work with groups less likely to have opportunities to engage with science, for instance by working in collaboration with the University's Widening Participation team.You will also improve your own communication and engagement skills - and we promise that you will have fun in the process!How can you work with EBSOC?The simplest way to get involved is to sign up to one of our upcoming workshops. No previous public engagement experience is required, although specific laboratory experience may be helpful for some of our sessions (full information will be provided ahead of each workshop).We are keen to develop new activities that showcase a wide variety of research and clinical work at the University of Edinburgh, so if you have an idea for an activity and would like work in partnership to develop it and/or apply for funding, please get in touch.Who can use EBSOC?EBSOC can be used by any member of staff or student at the University of Edinburgh for public engagement activities, by arrangement with the EBSOC Management Team.We are also happy to work with external organisations who share our aspiration to engage and inspire the public with science.Contacting EBSOCThe best way to get in touch is to use the EBSOC email address: EBSOC@ed.ac.ukYou can also follow us on Twitter @EBSOClabMeet the EBSOC Management Team Dr Nicola Stock Public Engagement Manager The Roslin Institute Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies Contact details Work: 0131 651 9421 Email: nicola.stock@roslin.ed.ac.uk Charis Hogg Education and Engagement Officer The Roslin Institute Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies Contact details Email: charis.hogg@roslin.ed.ac.uk Testimonials This was my first time doing public engagement, I found team members very supportive and helpful, I enjoyed it. Researcher Being told science is cool is always a great reminder of why I love science! Researcher Very nice and friendly environment, and a great way to give back to the community as scientists. Researcher This was a very well organised and run workshop that clearly engaged the students. I enjoyed gaining experience in public engagement and am looking forward to my next workshop. Wish I had done it sooner. Researcher It was a really useful experience for me, especially because I recognized how hard it can be to explain things that seem simple to you. I'm looking forward to engaging in more workshops to become a better science communicator. Researcher I was really impressed with this workshop. Everything from the set-up to the content was great. The EBSOC team do a fantastic job of communicating what's going on and making sure everyone (including us helpers!) knows what they are supposed to be doing. This means that the kids are focused and engaged. As someone doing this for the first time I was a little nervous beforehand, but there was really no need to be. The support from the EBSOC team was fantastic and meant that everything went very smoothly. I'd love to help again! Researcher Thoroughly enjoyed helping out on the workshop. The content and delivery of the workshop were both very engaging, and the students were a pleasure to work with! Researcher This article was published on 2024-09-02
