Public engagement with science: a novel researcher-led collaboration with a major UK science centre

Abstract

ABSTRACT Science communication is a key component of the academic process. Science centres provide researchers with an opportunity to convey their findings directly to the public, who in turn can be sure that they are receiving information from a trusted source. Therefore, this paper focuses on a new researcher-led public engagement project situated within a major UK science centre. The project utilises three freestanding digital touchscreen kiosks that provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about science through active participation (e.g. interactive research studies) as well as through more traditional knowledge exchange routes (e.g. static images with text), and it tested the effectiveness of onscreen QR codes as a means for maintaining public engagement beyond the initial kiosk experience. Data collected from nearly 10,000 visitor interactions demonstrated a preference for the interactive activities (5,000 complete datasets were collected) over the more traditional passive knowledge exchange content, and the QR codes were shown to provide a promising route to continued engagement. We recommend this approach to scientists, educators, and designers, seeking to develop an effective, practical, updatable, and cost-effective public engagement exhibit within a public science space.