Courses and training at the Science Communication Unit (SCU)

Visited January 2019.

"During my visit to the Science Communication Unit, I was made to feel very welcome and was encouraged to participate actively in classes, events and meetings. I found it an exciting environment in which to discuss Science Communication practices in its different forms: journalism, TV, internet, social media, exhibitions, publications, political issues, public engagement etc. In the same way, the theoretical approaches are tackled in depth with supervisors, at MSc student seminars and PhD student meetings."

"UWE Bristol has an excellent and modern infrastructure at the Frenchay Campus, stimulating a vibrant community via which students of all levels can be engaged. Moreover, Bristol is a lively city in the south west with plenty of cafes, museums, galleries and restaurants. During my sabbatical period at UWE Bristol, I was able to make great improvements on my ongoing PhD research. I am very grateful for this opportunity, and I hope to keep in touch with the staff and students continuing to share knowledge and enthusiasm in future partnerships for Science Communication."

Visited January 2019.

"As the UK is the leading nation for science communication and impact research, UWE Bristol’s Science Communication Unit is in the heart of international developments in this field. Their reputation for the supportiveness and excellence of the research environment had reached me through the international PCST network, and proved to be correct and during and beyond my semester long stay.

The clue to this excellence is the active, respectful, and yet easy-going interaction that enables intelligent and inspiring academic discussions within the unit. As the field is dispersed in many countries, PhD students often study in solitude, so visiting the SCU truly gives confidence and perception on one’s own research amongst the interdisciplinarities of the field. The frequent research meetings, discussions, courses and conferences consolidate one’s expertise. The outstanding network of experts in other UK universities is opened for the newbie. Informal, collegial activities such as the busy Bristol Science Communicators scene, qualitative inquiry group, and lunches with the staff and PhD students from different countries, strongly support the PhD life and diversify one’s reflection on current developments. Visiting the SCU, one has a superb opportunity to build up competencies, and take home international level insights."

Visited March 2018.

“I’m an Italian journalist completing the third year of my PhD in Science Communication at the University of Perugia. For my research project, I was looking for a consolidated and authoritative reference in the field of science communication research and the SCU at UWE Bristol, whose work I have been following for several years, is without a doubt a point of reference in Europe for research in Science Communication. The short time I spent with the SCU offered me the opportunity to make a truly interdisciplinary experience and to create a network of people that are working on science communication, which was very useful to me since my research project straddles science communication, science outreach, physics and social science. I found everyone very helpful and generous in devoting their time to having a coffee or tea, to talking with me.”

Visited December 2017.

“During my visiting period at the Science Communication Unit (SCU) within my PhD studies, the strong commitment of the entire unit to my stay was the first thing I was surprised by. They gave me constant support in all the aspects of my research which allowed me to carry it out successfully. However, the visit wasn’t limited to the study’s tasks; there were a wide range of activities that have complemented my professional development too. For instance, the SCU generously offered me the possibility to sit in their master’s degree in Science Communication and, by the end, I had completed around 70 hours of training."

"Furthermore, I was considered a member of the unit since the very first day, being invited to attend to the SCU meetings and many others events which gave me the opportunity to take part in exciting discussions and share knowledge and ideas with other colleagues. In short, the stay not only has been an incredible personal experience, but also has enlarged my professional network and has introduced me to the UK public engagement community increasing my future career opportunities.”