Cellular and molecular regulation of early brain development (360G-Wellcome-102895_Z_13_A)

Brain-waves is an enrichment project-based targeting children and adult audiences at the Sidmouth Science Festival (https://www.sidmouthsciencefestival.org). It is also a pilot for a new kind of laboratory retreat, where the entire team is engaged in the devising and delivery of an engagement project. We will engage experienced communicators and advisers as part of the development. The project will deliver a professional and highly interactive public event in three parts: a beach-based exploration of brain function and development for primary school classes, an adult pint of science style evening science conversation and a longer-term engagement with local schools through a legacy of project work and materials. The Clarke research team will have developed a new understanding of the science research in which they are engaged and have experienced reconfigured roles within the group. Younger lab members will feel empowered and the enrichment benefit of the exercise will extend into their ongoing research. We will have boosted confidence and developed definable transferrable skills. Finally, we will have developed a model for an "engagement retreat" that capitalises on the strong UK network of local science festivals. Our approach will contribute and capitalise on a burgeoning national conversation on science that exists within the patchwork of local events that gives valuable space to different viewpoints and exchanges. https://www.britishscienceassociation.org/uk-science-festivals-network https://www.big.uk.com/festivals/