1.  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  1.1  Cardiff University wishes to set out the nature and benefits of its relationship with Techniquest, the principal science centre in Wales.

  1.2  Techniquest is an important contributor to Cardiff University meeting its wider responsibilities for outreach and for engaging with school and public audiences, and a strategic partnership between the two institutions was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2006. This formal agreement has acted as a catalyst for a number of collaborative projects.

  1.3  The partnership provides both institutions with a range of benefits. Techniquest is provided with access to the knowledge resources of one of Britain's leading research Universities, and Cardiff University is able to draw upon a wealth of public engagement expertise and access to a large public audience.

  1.4  Although there are many examples of collaboration, perhaps the strongest example of partnership between the two organisations is the University's Wales Gene Park initiative (described below) in which Techniquest is the main education partner.

  1.5  Cardiff University is expanding its work in the field of public engagement and its partnership with Techniquest is key to the delivery of its Innovation and Engagement Strategy for the future. In pursuance of this, the two institutions are currently developing a collaborative bid (in association with BBC Wales, National Museum Wales and the University of Glamorgan) to become a Beacon for Public Engagement, through funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England, Research Councils UK and the Wellcome Trust.

2.  INTRODUCTION

  2.1  Cardiff University is recognised in independent government assessments as one of Britain's leading teaching and research universities. Founded by Royal Charter in 1883, the University today combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research with its proud heritage of service and achievement.

  2.2  As one of the largest universities in the UK, Cardiff undertakes research and teaching within 28 academic schools, and through a collaborative and inter-disciplinary approach, is able to contribute to the development of knowledge on many of the key issues facing the world today. The University's breadth of expertise encompasses the humanities, the natural, physical, health, life and social sciences, engineering, technology and the built environment, and a longstanding commitment to lifelong learning.

  2.3  The partnership with Techniquest links two of Wales' most prominent and respected knowledge organisations and provides Cardiff University with access to:

(a)  large public and schools audiences;

(b)  a developed infrastructure of public sites and facilities, including Techniquest's main centre in Cardiff Bay and satellite centres in North and West Wales; and

(c)  expertise in engagement and related areas.

3.  INNOVATION AND ENGAGEMENT

  3.1  Innovation and engagement is integral to the work of the University, its staff and students, extending expertise beyond the University for the benefit of society. The University makes a significant and sustained contribution to the arenas of health, the economy, the environment, education and culture through the application of its knowledge and skills.

  3.2  The University wishes to build upon this existing work and engage more proactively with its communities. In support of this, an Innovation and Engagement Strategy was developed in 2005, and the partnership with Techniquest developed in support of its aims and objectives.

(a)  Key Objectives

—  To work with stakeholders to identify where, as a corporate entity, the University can broaden its civic responsibility and work for the wider benefits of society.

—  To apply those activities consistent with the University's strategy and expertise that will help governments and national and international bodies worldwide to address particular problems and to contribute to policy development.

—  To effectively disseminate the University's research and knowledge, to increase public awareness of and engagement with Cardiff's academic specialisms and expertise.

—  To contribute to the cultural enrichment of Wales, the UK and the world.

(b)  Priority Areas

—  To increase awareness of the University's expertise by encouraging and co-ordinating outreach activities such as engagement events with the wider community and staff/student links with the private, public and voluntary sectors.

—  To ensure that all those able to benefit have access to the opportunities of higher education regardless of social background.

—  To further develop a strong mutually-beneficial relationship with the city and the region by, amongst other things, providing access to knowledge resources and continuing to host events which enrich the cultural life of Cardiff.

4.  WALES GENE PARK

  4.1  The Wales Gene Park is delivering advances in this important area of medical science—and helping to establish high calibre biosciences jobs in Wales. It was established by Cardiff University, with financial backing from the Welsh Assembly Government and the Department of Trade and Industry. Techniquest is responsible for the education arm of the Wales Gene Park which aims to generate an understanding of the ways in which genetics is perceived and understood by the general public. It develops and delivers education and training initiatives on genetics and associated social and ethical issues for school teachers, students and others.

  4.2  Examples of programmes offered by the Wales Gene Park include:

(a)  A stem cell research public discussion held at Techniquest in which the audience learnt about stem cells, and were able to discuss issues such as their therapeutic potential, their possible medical concerns, and the social and ethical issues which surround stem cell research with Cardiff University scientists.

(b)  A consultation event held at Techniquest, to allow young people aged 16-19 to debate some of the issues described in "Choices and boundaries" and to compile a response to the questions posed therein by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). The event involved expert presentations, electronic voting, and a debate.

(c)  A Citizen's Jury, in collaboration with Techniquest and the University of Glamorgan, with funding from the Wellcome Trust. This was held over three days with members of the jury recruited to be broadly representative of the 16-19 age group. The jury addressed the question: "Designer Babies: what choices should we be able to make?". Jurors listened to witnesses speak on various topics and were able to question them. The witnesses represented a broad range of views, and also included personal testimony from people affected by issues surrounding genetic conditions and reproduction. The event received wide press coverage, and the jurors presented their verdict to the Welsh Assembly Government, the Human Genetics Commission (as part of its consultation "Choosing the Future: Genetics and Reproductive Decision Making") and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

(d)  An interactive exhibition on Diversity, History and Inheritance, developed by Techniquest and based on a Cardiff University study into the genetic inheritance of Cardiff's population changes. The exhibition was on display at Techniquest and is now touring Wales.

5.  ENGAGEMENT WITH AUDIENCES

  5.1  There are many examples of co-working where Cardiff University and Techniquest combine their expertise and resources in innovative ways. Examples include:

(a)  Guiding Light. A schools project where Cardiff University's marine research vessel "Guiding Light" took students into Cardiff Bay to take samples, returning to Techniquest's labs to analyse and interpret them.

(b)  Uncovering Chemical Secrets. An A' Level Chemistry workshop designed to introduce students to the methods chemists use to isolate and identify chemical compounds. Students isolate chemicals from fruit samples at Techniquest's laboratory and then visit the University's School of Chemistry to further analyse them using the University's state-of-the-art equipment.

(c)  MSc Science, Media and Communication. A course developed by Cardiff University and supported by Techniquest. It aims to offer knowledge and expertise relating to the organisation and funding of scientific research, the reporting of scientific innovation and controversy, and the role of citizens, experts and the media in decision making. Techniquest provides modules in "Visitor Studies" and "Presenting Science" offering practical experience in dealing with the public and the development and evaluation of public programmes.

6.  CONCLUSION

  6.1  Cardiff University is able to deliver an increased quantity and quality of engagement activities for the benefit of society because of its relationship with Techniquest. Such organisations provide an effective conduit for two-way communication between academia and the wider community through their expertise, links and access to the public.

June 2007