1. Managed by AEA Technology plc and funded by DIUS www.sciencewise-erc.org.uk 1

2. Managed by AEA Technology plc and funded by DIUS www.sciencewise-erc.org.uk 2 Mass engagement  Up-scaling ERC work stream  Motivations  Definitions  Methods  Cost / Value

3. Managed by AEA Technology plc and funded by DIUS www.sciencewise-erc.org.uk 3 We have summarised motivations for large scale engagement as; To inform policy To secure understanding, buy-in or a mandate from the public For policy makers to deal with uncertainty and manage risk. To strengthen democracy, demonstrate the benefits of citizen engagement

4. Managed by AEA Technology plc and funded by DIUS www.sciencewise-erc.org.uk 4 When asked... So why will large scale provide this?  The data has to be credible with political decision makers, the public or the media  The process needs to be representative of the public at large  Because I want to understand grassroots views from a diverse population (culture, language, country)  I want the process / results to receive high profile, positive media coverage  I want lots of high quality findings from an informed public to support the evidence base.  I want participants to feel excited, enthused, positive  I want people to understand, take action or change behaviour as a result of the engagement

5. Managed by AEA Technology plc and funded by DIUS www.sciencewise-erc.org.uk 5 Issues that therefore need to be addressed  Definitions of process  Credibility  Representativeness  Covering a large and diverse population  Media profile  Public buy-in / understanding desired  Participants feeling good about participating

6. Managed by AEA Technology plc and funded by DIUS www.sciencewise-erc.org.uk 6 Methods - Large scale mass events Example Your health your care your say, America speaks Features Representative samples High profile High cost Deliberative research Highly controlled and manageable Best fit need for credible data with policy makers and media, useful to inform developing policy

7. Managed by AEA Technology plc and funded by DIUS www.sciencewise-erc.org.uk 7 Methods – Public outreach projects Example -GM nation, Corwm Features Requires marketing Self selecting Media can be big influencer Pretty uncontrolled Best fit Understanding grass roots views (if well marketed), behaviour or call to action

8. Managed by AEA Technology plc and funded by DIUS www.sciencewise-erc.org.uk 8 Methods – Online tools 1 Example - Online petitions, blogs and wikis, forums Features Requires marketing Self selecting (although can be by invitation only) Media can be big influencer Pretty uncontrolled Open and transparent Best fit Enabling grass roots engagement, behaviour or call to action

9. Managed by AEA Technology plc and funded by DIUS www.sciencewise-erc.org.uk 9 Methods – Online tools 2 Example - Structured engagement tools, BERR nuclear consultation, sciencehorizons Features Requires marketing Self selecting (although can be by invitation only) Media can be big influencer provides significant control Open and transparent Can be integrated with other tools including face to face and self managed groups Best fit Enabling grass roots engagement, I high quality findings from to support the evidence base, can deal with complext topics

10. Managed by AEA Technology plc and funded by DIUS www.sciencewise-erc.org.uk 10 Key messages Starting with a desire to do mass engagement is not the right start point Understand your motivations – they will have a big impact on your tools Know the difference between campaigning and engagement

11. Managed by AEA Technology plc and funded by DIUS www.sciencewise-erc.org.uk 11 Sciencewise-ERC The Sciencewise-ERC, funded by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) helps policy makers commission and use public dialogue to inform policy decisions in emerging areas of science and technology. It consists of a comprehensive online resource of information, advice and guidance together with a wide range of support services aimed at policy makers and all the different stakeholders involved in science and technology policy making, including the public. The Sciencewise-ERC also provides co-funding to Government departments and agencies to develop and commission public dialogue activities. For further information please log onto www.sciencewise-erc.org.ukwww.sciencewise-erc.org.uk