Levelling the playing field: lessons from sport on re-framing science engagement as a benefit to the individual

Keith, Lindsay; Kerr, Gary

Abstract

The workforces of the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) industries suffer from skills gaps and lack diversity. Science engagement activities e.g. science festivals, often try to solve these problems through targeting audiences under-represented in the STEM workforces. There is limited data, however, to suggest that these engagement efforts are successful in translating into more diverse workforces. We draw upon Unicef’s ‘Sport for Development’ model and propose a new conceptual framework: ‘Science Engagement for Good’. This frames science engagement activities around the benefits to individuals, families and communities, rather than the benefits to STEM industries, the economy or society at large.

Citation

Keith, L., & Kerr, G. (2022). Levelling the playing field: lessons from sport on re-framing science engagement as a benefit to the individual. Journal of Science Communication, 21(4), Article A03. https://doi.org/10.22323/2.21040203

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 31, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Jun 10, 2022
• Publication Date: Jun 10, 2022
• Deposit Date: Jun 21, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 21, 2022
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 4
• Article Number: A03
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22323/2.21040203
• Keywords: Science and policy-making; Science communication: theory and models; Social inclusion
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2880798
• Publisher URL: https://jcom.sissa.it/sites/default/files/documents/JCOM_2104_2022_A03.pdf