thought leader Archives

The Open Notebook and the art of science journalism

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Research Outreach interviews Siri Carpenter, co-founder of The Open Notebook on her work in science journalism, and the skills required to be a great science writer

The importance of quality science journalism has been widely recognised throughout the long months of the COVID-19 pandemic. What is less frequently discussed is the unique skillset that is required to undertake this vital form of translation: ensuring that the complexity of cutting-edge research is communicated in such a way that it remains exciting, accurate, and digestible. The Open Notebook […]

The troubling allure of predatory publishing

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Predatory publishing has become increasingly ubiquitous across the sciences and beyond. Importantly, Dr Nicola Alberto Valente, Adjunct Assistant Professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo, compiled and studied the barrage of invitations he received over the course of an academic year. He then attempted to quantitatively assess the impact these invitations had on him and his work. […]

Meningitis: The battle to defeat the disease

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Meningitis and septicaemia are deadly diseases that strike without warning. Meningitis is the swelling of the meninges, which is the lining around the brain and spinal cord, caused mainly by bacteria entering the body. Septicaemia is blood poisoning caused by the same bacteria that can cause meningitis. Collectively, meningitis and neonatal sepsis are the second biggest infectious killers of children […]

European Citizen Science Association: How citizen science is changing the face of research

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The European Citizen Science Association was set up six years ago in the hope of engaging people and organisations across Europe to take part in citizen science projects and research, providing support, resources and a network of like-minded people. That influence has now gone global, and the association is engaging not just scientists and citizens, but NGOs and policymakers too. Scientific […]

Football data intelligence: It’s in the game

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SciSports is a world-leading provider of groundbreaking football data intelligence. Their machine-learning algorithm provides actionable data to professional football organisations, football players, media and entertainment to help them stay one step ahead of the game. Here, Giels Brouwer, Founder & Chief Innovation Officer of SciSports, explains how his company originated from his love of the game Football Manager, and how […]

Smashing assumptions: Supporting and celebrating female scientists and technologists

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Science and Technology in Australia (STA) are one of many organisations who have recognised the difficulties women can face in the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). With the pressure of stereotypes and the need for more female role models, more needs to be done to incubate and acknowledge the talent of women. According to research from the United Nations […]

Putting Primary Science on the Agenda: The Primary Science Education Conference 2019

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Between the 6th-8th June, Research Outreach attended the Primary Science Education Conference (PSEC), which was organised by the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT). Over three days, leaders in primary science education gave a diverse and fascinating range of talks, seminars and practical workshops about work in their field, aiming to provide teachers in attendance with the chance to learn new […]

Learning through play: New perspectives on early years development

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Early years development in children can be affected by play

Scientists readily acknowledge that species that play the most are the most intelligent. New research is beginning to explore the role that play has on children’s learning and development. Whilst the definition of play can be subjective, it is integral to children’s development of language skills, social skills, intellectual and emotional intelligence. Adults’ role in play is also important, providing […]

Measure what you treasure How Global Footprint Network is using data to show people how to protect our planet

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There is only one Earth, but humans are consuming biological resources as if there were more Earths available. Last year, Global Footprint Network marked ‘Earth Overshoot Day’ on 1st August; humanity had used our budget of resources for the year five months early. For over a decade, Global Footprint Network has been striving to reduce this ecological deficit through education […]

EuroScience: Supporting scientists across Europe to work together for a brighter European future

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EuroScience is a non-profit grassroots organisation that believes that science is an essential part of Europe’s cultural heritage and that it forms the basis for the continued health and prosperity of the continent and its citizens. By supporting European scientists at all levels of their career and promoting research and development, since 1997, the organisation has been enhancing the contribution of […]