What happens when eight Oxfordshire community groups are given access to the world-class skills, knowledge and resources of the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University researchers? SCIENCE TOGETHER is a brand new, grass-roots programme that harnesses the power of community-led collaborative research projects to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for people who live and work in Oxfordshire. It is bringing together diverse people and expertise to address major issues and questions impacting local people’s lives.
Since September 2021, eight research projects, involving 33 scientists from across the two universities, have been developed with groups ranging from Barton coLAB for teens, to Daybreak, an inclusive scheme for those with dementia – and covering themes such as tackling under-reported bike crime, facilitating communication for people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and researching the impact of freeform play on young people’s development.
To showcase some of the new projects and approaches being developed, Science Together is hosting ‘Explore Science Together’ on Tuesday 7 June 2022, an interactive day of free workshops and activities at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, followed by an opportunity to explore the collaborations in more depth in the evening.
During museum opening hours, visitors will have to chance to interact with the community groups involved in the programme and participate in eight workshops, activities and demonstrations, ranging from making natural paint from sustainable materials, exploring the evolution of hip-hop technology, creating their own app, and much more. Each session is led by one of the local organisations that have been collaborating with university researchers this year, with opportunities to get hands-on, learn more and provide feedback to help take the work-in-progress projects to the next level.
In the evening, guests will have the chance to find out more about each collaboration from the researchers, community groups and service users involved, in ‘Science on the Sofa’ from 7-9pm - a candid conversation hosted by Science Together lead, Oli Moore. This event is free, but advance registration is required. For those unable to join in person, the conversation will also be livestreamed.
Join in
To find out more about free activities taking place at the Museum of Natural History on Tuesday 7 June, 10am- 5pm, visit: Explore Science Together
'Science on the Sofa' from 7-9pm is also free entry and open to everyone, but advance registration is required.
This is a rare opportunity to come and enjoy the Museum of Natural History out of normal opening hours, and to meet many of the people involved in Science Together in an informal setting, with refreshments provided.
The session will also be available to watch remotely via live stream.
Read the full news item on the University of Oxford’s website.