The initiative takes science presentations out of the imposing pedagogical confines of a research institute and brings them to people across the city in various informal, social spaces like cafes, housing complexes, and bookstores.
ACTIVITIES & TARGET GROUP
Out of the Lab: This initiative takes science talks to housing complexes and apartments, targeting families with children. The objective is to demystify basic scientific theories and interest kids in pursuing science.
BLiSc Science Cafe: Engage science hobbyists, curious seekers, and science enthusiasts. The format is informal and colloquial making it easier to engage with subject and speaker.
START OF THE PROJECT
24.06.2018
ORGANISATION
Communications Office-National Centre for Biological Sciences
COSTS
1,200€ annually: 100 Euros per session x 12 sessions
IMPACT
We have an average of 50 people attend most sessions, with the exception of our out of town Science Cafes, that draw large crowds. With 11 sessions (we have had 3 sessions in other cities too) under our belt, an approximate number would be 1000 pax. These are NOT just teachers and students, but general public.
PARTNERS
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (inStem: instem.res.in)
- Centre for Cellular And Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP: ccamp.res.in)
KEY LEARNINGS
- Avoid PPTs. Cut out scientific jargon. Use metaphors. Be as simple and direct as possible.
- People are willing to spend their Sunday mornings listening to people talk about science! We found that the introductionof this little detail immediately stripped the event of its formality and gave people a chance to mingle with scientists. This was a much-needed myth buster and has relaxed perceptions about science and scientists.