THE TRANSLATION OF RESEARCH PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Contributors: Ms Debra Railoun Mrs Sarah Bok Mrs Khalipha Ramahlape Research Translation Office Corporate.

THE TRANSLATION OF RESEARCH

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Contributors:Ms Debra RailounMrs Sarah BokMrs Khalipha RamahlapeResearch Translation OfficeCorporate & Public Affairs Directorate

RESEARCH TRANSLATION

“Research makes no difference to health and quality of life unless it is translated into specific interventions such as:

Policy,

Practice,

Products &

Promotion,

which can have an impact on the health and quality of life of the nation”.

ASPECTS OF RESEARCH TRANSLATION OFFICE

• Public Engagement:

For research translation to benefit society, the levels of public engagement must be raised.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

• Bridges the gap between science/scientists and society• Accountable at all levels (public, government & funders)• Creates effective science communication• Demystifies science among the literate and economically

active• Creates a platform to engage the interest of those less

privileged• Exposes school learners to career opportunities in

Science and Technology and Health

SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES

• Khanyagula Science Expo • National Science Week• Grahamstown SciFest• Workshops for

– Educators– Learners

• Science Days at Schools• Health Days• National Youth Day

SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT

Khanyagula Science Expo • Held annually for township schools• Serves the purpose of capacity

development as learners are groomed to be competent enough to compete at regional and national level.

• Through this project, more learners from township schools are taking part in Science Expo

All the proud gold medalists from the Khanyagula programme who were selected to represent the

region at the national finals in Pretoria.

SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT

National Science Week• MRC is involved in NSW activities

SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT

Grahamstown Science Festival• Showcase MRC• Run workshops

SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT

Workshops for educators

SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT

Workshops for learners• HIV

• DNA

• TB

• Malaria

DNA Workshop

SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT

Science Days at Schools• MRC Scientists address learners.

This serves the purpose of science promotion as well as role modeling for learners.

SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT

Health Days• These are celebrated with the

purpose of promoting healthy living.

SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT

National Youth Day

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES:

• Health Days

• MRC Scientists addressing public at clinics, hospitals, youth centres, and other events.

• National Science Week

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

Health Days • Cancer Day – Eastern Cape• AIDS Day - Khayelitsha , MRC• TB Day - (MRC Cape Town)• Diabetes Day – MRC Cape Town

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

MRC Scientists address public at clinics, hospitals, youth centres, and other events.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

National Science Week • Community invited to special day

OUTPUTS

• Iodine in Salt (NIVS)

• Food Table (NIVS),

• and many more

AIDS (cartoons/cells workshop)

•DNA Workshop – makes molecular biology meaningful

Lead in paint (policy)•Tobacco (policy)

LESSONS LEARNED?

• Workshops to be participatory• Use low cost easily accessible props• Flexible modules• Use imagination• Alternate sitting & moving activities• Use competition• Use relevant metaphors• Engage with relevant applications • Address language diversity issues• Seek informal feedback• Create a WOW! Factor• Be whacky, colourful, enthusiastic, larger than life

CONCLUSION

With imagination complex scientific principles can be meaningfully transferred to a diverse audience