What is science outreach?
We are a team of researchers that are working to develop a fuller understanding of the influence of science outreach on young people’s orientation toward science and the outreach program dynamics involved.
Science outreach involves scientists or scientific institutions providing science experiences for young people. The intended outcomes of science outreach include enhancing young people’s:
- understanding of science and the nature of science;
- engagement with science (attitudes, beliefs, identity, interest and motivation)
- future science participation, particularly from underrepresented groups
- trust and valuing of science
It is widely acknowledged that engagement in science is vital for both having a science literate public and in securing the future of science. Science outreach programs are increasingly put forward as one solution to the problem of engagement with science, with half of all scientists now participating in some form of science outreach.
Our research involves working with a range of outreach programs across Australia to understand how outreach programs can be best delivered to influence change in science engagement. This involves working with science outreach providers and the young people, scientists, teachers and institutions involved.
Our Focus and Impact
Strengthen science engagement
Build young people’s interest, confidence and sense of belonging in science — supporting positive attitudes, motivation and science identity development.
Broaden equitable pathways into science
Expand pathways into future science study and careers, particularly for students from underrepresented groups.
Strengthen outreach impact through research
Generate robust, long-term research to guide how science outreach is designed, delivered and evaluated to create meaningful, sustained impact.
Research we are undertaking
We work with a number of science outreach providers including university outreach programs and Australian Research Council funded outreach programs. The topics covered by these programs include:
- Astronomy
- Dark Matter
- Plant Biology
- Gravitational Waves
- Chemistry
We take a focus on how science outreach influences science engagement over the longer term, differentiating our research from shorter term evaluations. Our research has covered outreach policy, student and teacher identity, teacher benefits and scientists' experiences.