Other forms of impact
Our social impact and beyond.
In addition to academic, clinical and economic impact members of the Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre community impact the society on multiple other levels by regular interactions with patients, policy makers, students and members of the general public. These interactions can take diverse forms and include:
A: Regular contacts with and consultancy for: MPs, MSPs, members of the Government, independent public bodies and other organisations.
Examples:
- Visit of the Minister for Life Sciences George Freeman to the Centre on the 12 Feb 2016 associated with the lunch of a new country-wide research drive.
- Visit of a cross party group of Members of the Scottish Parliament to the Centre on the 10 June 2016.
- Role of David Cameron (Clinical Director of ECRC) as Scottish Cancer Research Champion for the Chief Scientist Office (CSO are part of the Scottish Government Health Directorates).
B: Participation in school fairs, science festivals and other public events that aim to popularise science, STEM-subjects and raise awareness about human health and disease.
Examples:
(for more details and additional examples see the public engagement section)
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre actively participates in the “Science Insights” work experience programme (http://www.scienceinsights.ed.ac.uk) enabling high school students to experience “real science” and helping them make informed career choices. Centre scientists also serve as STEM ambassadors in local high schools.
- “Meet the scientist” visits to the Centre by patients, members of general public, representatives of different companies and other organisations (often combined with “hands on” experience, workshops, seminars or other interactive activities). These visits raise awareness about importance of scientific research in general and our Centre research in particular.
- Regular participation in the Edinburgh International Science Festival (http://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/) and the Dunbar Science Festival (http://dunbarscifest.org.uk/)
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre scientists were associated with the launch of Louise Page’s theatrical play “Tissue” at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (25th-29th August 2015, Upper Theatre, Niddry Street) and participated in an informal panel discussion and Q&A following the play. “Tissue” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1769e2mHyJc) is the story of Sally, a women touched by breast cancer, the play allows the audience into her life and the experience of her diagnosis.