Most of the research in the Space and Atmospheric Physics group is funded by the public, therefore, we have a social and moral responsibility to share our work with them. We also appreciate that only a small percentage of people actively seek out science information, events, or engagement activities. Therefore, beyond traditional forms of engagement such as putting on public lectures, we try to engage more diverse groups in ways that are appropriate to them. This is so that our science and the scientific method can be appreciated as an intrinsic part of culture by everyone, thereby having a positive impact upon society. This aligns with Imperial's strategic approach to societal engagement.
Some examples of the types of public and community engagement the group has been involved with in recent years are as follows:
Some examples of our public & community engagement
Imperial Lates & Festival
We frequently contribute to Imperial Lates as well as the annual Great Exhibition Road Festival. These free events feature talks, opportunities to discuss the latest science one-on-one, as well as a wealth of interactive ways of engaging with our work.
Our local communities
We aim to build our local communities' relationship and confidence with science, particularly within young families — whether that's through building comets, asking what space "sounds like" to them, or inviting them to design their own spaceship.
Innovative engagement
We like to come up with innovative new ways for a wide variety of people, with different interests and experiences, to engage with what we do. Recently we've even been behind spoken word poetry album with accompanying short-film produced by award winning artists.
Engaged Research
As well as sharing our research with the public, we realise that members of the public can contribute to our research through their own knowledge and experiences or simply their interest and enthusiasm to volunteer time towards our work.
How best to make space data audible
Our sense of sound can be a powerful tool in exploring and analysing data collected from satellites. But what is the best way to make this data audible? We are asking for input from communities with relevant expertise to help us choose the best method of making Ultra-Low Frequency waves around the Earth audible. Fill out our quick survey telling us which you think sounds best. It shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes. Your valuable feedback and recommendations will help space scientists around the world to improve science communication, public engagement, and citizen science. Find out more in the Participant Information Sheet.
Get in touch
We actively solicit further opportunities to engage communities with our work, both in the London area and elsewhere in the UK, be that with amateur space, astronomy and meteorology clubs, local community groups and charities, events organisers, and other organisations. If you'd like a member of our group to give a talk or deliver an engagement activity, please send an email to the Admin Team who will forward your request to an appropriate member of the group.