Summary of the impact
Impact: Public outreach, education, science
engagement, debate and policy development:
Inspiring, informing and educating the general public, school children,
educators and policy makers by communicating the results of PHYESTA
astronomical research through events, movies visits and training.
Influencing worldwide policy makers through the stimulation of new
debates.
Significance:
Improved awareness and knowledge of astronomical discoveries, and the
importance of/progress in science in general. Improved teaching, enhanced
motivation of school children to pursue science, supported by heightened
enthusiasm/knowledge in the wider public.
Beneficiaries:
The public, educators and educational organisations, governmental
organisations including recreation and tourism, international
organisations including the UN.
Reach:
Direct interaction with ~100,000 school children and members of the wider
UK public over REF period. Engagement with many more worldwide through
events, TV programmes, movies, webinars, and press releases/news stories.
Direct training of several 100 school teachers, and extended impact
through educational resources. Influence on policy development through the
UN.
Attribution:
PHYESTA astronomers have both led the highly-cited research and have
worked directly with outreach staff, educators, and organisations (e.g.
Royal Society and STFC) to publicise and promote the impact and relevance
of astronomical discoveries.