Science Snaps - Making Science Sound Different

ScienceSnaps is a partnership project that is presenting science in an unusual way. We have gathered a number of scientists from the North East of Scotland and trained them to produce and publish podcasts. We hope you like the results.

Why ScienceSnaps?

It's quite difficult to get people (or the Media) to take notice of science unless it is "news". And not everything that scientists do is news! So we have taken a different approach by getting the scientists to talk about their work in a "space" that is not driven by news. We have tried to keep things short and snappy. After all, not everyone has the time or inclination to listen to hours of intense scientific teachings: life is not a lecture theatre.

Why podcasting?

We ran a "pilot" project in 2005 that broadcast short promotions on local commercial radio, and we learnt a lot from that experience. For this project we decided to concentrate on podcasting and use the radio broadcasts to promote the project. We believe that podcasting is a growing medium and that the format gives us great flexibility in terms of style and content.

We also hope that the project will "grow legs": we have trained local scientists in how to write and produce podcasts (using Inner Ear Ltd from Glasgow) and we hope they are enthused to make more podcasts. We also hope that other scientists might want to get involved...

Why Commercial Radio?

Although commercial radio is not renowned for its science content and we have used this medium to target an audience that might not usually be reached by "science communication" activites. As well as the on-air promotion of the ScienceSnaps Project, we worked with Northsound1 (our local commercial radio station) to promote National Science and Engineering Week 2007. We recorded a series of simple science experiments for broadcast on the Breakfast Show each morning during National Science and Engineering Week.

And these are the organisations that made it possible:

As part of its 'Science In Socierty' scheme, The Scottish Executive has provided a grant to SCIENCE SNAPS to allow the project to take place.		The Rowett Research Institute is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for nutrition research. We undertake research to improve food quality and prevent disease. The Rowett Research Institute has helped to direct the project and has provided management and financial support to SCIENCE SNAPS.		Walking-the-Talk is a small consultancy based in North East Scotland, specialising in two areas - Outdoor Access and Communicating Science. Walking-the-Talk has acted as project manager for SCIENCE SNAPS.

We believe strongly in the role of design and how it can benefit both the business world and society at large in a sustainable, socially responsible manner. We also aim to encourage lifelong learning through the design of stimulating and engaging learning environments. As part of our commitment, Lighthouse has supported several not-for-profit initiatives, and we are excited to be involved in the development of SCIENCE SNAPS.				The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation dedicated to connecting science with people, so that science and its applications become accessible to all. The BA aims to promote openness about science in society and to engage and inspire people directly with science and technology and their implications.