The University of Southampton has begun partnership with Sense about Science on its Voice of Young Science (VoYS) programme in 2020, along with more than 30 other leading universities, funding bodies and learned and professional societies around the UK and Europe.
VoYS is built on an ethos of researchers taking responsibility for public discussion, which our university supports.
VoYS is a unique network of thousands of early career researchers (ECRs) around Europe who are committed to playing an active role in debates about science and evidence. Sense about Science founded VoYS 16 years ago when ECRs were becoming involved in challenging misleading claims about research, but lacked confidence and engagement skills in policy and media settings. This active community gives advice and support to each other in the different challenges they are tackling all over the world. Sense about Science supports the network in their campaigns and projects, as well as offering workshops where ECRs develop the confidence and know-how to engage with the media and policymakers.
Policy Engagement for Researchers workshop - 30 July 2021
Sense about Science is running an online 'Policy Engagement for Researchers' workshop on Friday 30 July 2021. This is run as part of our Voice of Young Science network, nearly 4,000 early career researchers from across Europe who are committed to taking an active role in public discussions of science and evidence.
This event will run from 9:30 - 13:00 and is FREE for all STEM and social science early career researchers (PhD students, post-docs or equivalent in first job), trainees and medical professionals.
Effective decision-making in government is guided by high-quality research, and ECRs can play a role by contributing research evidence to policy discussions. This interactive workshop is inspired by our experience of working with researchers, community groups and policymakers over several years to shape policy at national and international level.
Join the workshop to learn about what policy is and get a breakdown of the British policymaking landscape, understand the societal and personal benefits of getting involved, how evidence is used in policymaking and the routes to engaging with policymakers. You will take away some tangible and practical policy engagement ideas.
Complete the form below to apply for a free place.
Application deadline: 13:00 on Monday 5 July
Join the Voice of Young Science Network
University of Southampton ECRs can also join the VoYS network to make sure they don't miss out on their chance to apply for a free place and the opportunity to get involved with the network and Sense about Science's campaign and activities beyond the workshop.
If you're interested in participating in this, please email publicpolicy@soton.ac.uk for more information!