The Centre for Sustainable and Circular Technologies (CSCT) places fundamental concepts of sustainability and circularity at the core of research, innovation, training and outreach in applied science and engineering. Its work applies a whole system approach to the areas of clean energy, bio-based resources and production, sustainable materials, chemical and bio-chemical processes and waste valorisation and recycling.

Developing the self-confidence and skills for engaging with diverse public groups is core to the CSCT and Science Made Simple has been pleased to provide a programme of activities and event support since 2012. Through interactions with experienced Science Made Simple trainers and external experts, a growing cohort of PhD students (over 100 so far) has emerged with experience and insight into engagement.

The programmes have changed each year to accommodate changes in the direction of the CSCT, public interest and the events landscape. Programmes have included presentation skills, prop and exhibit design and build, understanding audiences, project management for engagement events, engaging through social media, presenting to camera and through animation, evaluation, and working with policymakers and journalists.

We’re very proud that the CSCT students participate with high-quality activities at Bristol Festival of Nature, Bright SCIdea Challenge, Glastonbury Festival, Science at Radstock, Bath Taps into Science and many more. You can read more about their adventures here.

The CSCT has an almost unbroken record of winning Bath University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Postgraduate Prize for Public Engagement with Research.

Science Made Simple initially developed and delivered the programme through its partnership project with Graphic Science, The Training Group. The programme has evolved to meet the needs of the Centre over the years and since 2018 SMS has supported PhD students and staff to develop skills in presentation, project management and content creation for public engagement. In 2020 and 2021 the programme was delivered fully online.