What is EBSOC?
Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre (EBSOC) is a purpose-built public engagement laboratory space at the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush Campus, for use with visiting groups.
EBSOC has capacity for up to 25 adults or 33 children and is a flexible space, equipped with research-grade laboratory equipment.
Why get involved with EBSOC?
We want to increase everyone's science capital and give visitors to EBSOC a postive and realistic experience of science. EBSOC provides a space where visitors can experience hands-on, interactive actvities linked to real-world research and/or clinical work and provides opportunities to meet scientists and clinicians.
Getting involved with EBSOC activities gives you an opportunity to engage with a range of non-specialist audiences, from school pupils and teachers to community groups and international visitors, providing an accessible and non-threatening platform to talk about your research and raise its profile with our visitors.
EBSOC workshops for young people also aim to provide inspiration around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) subjects and careers in science, and we are particularly keen to work with groups less likely to have opportunities to engage with science, for instance by working in collaboration with the University's Widening Participation team.
You will also improve your own communication and engagement skills - and we promise that you will have fun in the process!
How can you work with EBSOC?
The simplest way to get involved is to sign up to one of our upcoming workshops. No previous public engagement experience is required, although specific laboratory experience may be helpful for some of our sessions (full information will be provided ahead of each workshop).
We are keen to develop new activities that showcase a wide variety of research and clinical work at the University of Edinburgh, so if you have an idea for an activity and would like work in partnership to develop it and/or apply for funding, please get in touch.
Who can use EBSOC?
EBSOC can be used by any member of staff or student at the University of Edinburgh for public engagement activities, by arrangement with the EBSOC Management Team.
We are also happy to work with external organisations who share our aspiration to engage and inspire the public with science.
Contacting EBSOC
The best way to get in touch is to use the EBSOC email address: EBSOC@ed.ac.uk
You can also follow us on Twitter @EBSOClab
