Exploring Light and Dark; Community Engagement in Collaboration with the Beacon Museum, Whitehaven

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This projects aims to place cutting-edge scientific research at the heart of a museum/visitor attraction, engaging with new audiences and strengthening the link between University researchers and the regional community. The project will be the first venture of a new collaborative partnership between the University of Central Lancashire and the Beacon Museum, Whitehaven, and will achieve the following:Integration of scientific research into a museum gallery, placing STEM alongside aspects of history, culture and heritage and highlighting the importance of STEM to the regionPlace science learning into this community hub, in an area where there are no science centres/museums/discovery centres, and use this as a launchpad for future collaborative activity. Engagement of new audiences with STEM, especially audiences who would not normally seek out scientific information/activitiesIncreased visibility of higher education in an area where participation in HE is low (POLAR 3 methodology) and opportunity for aspiration-raising activity linked to the museum exhibit/outreach programme plannedA varied programme of community engagement, including dance, storytelling, craft and science sessions, that offer opportunities for a wide range of interest groups and ages to engage with the research showcased An exciting opportunity for researchers, and students, to get involved in public engagement in a variety of waysForming a link with museum professionals, which we will build on in future projects, e.g. developing content around the history of UCLan's observatoriesDelivery of a programme of engagement as part of the International Year of Light