Jensen Eric, Buckley Nicol
Public Underst Sci. 2014 Jul;23(5):557-73. doi: 10.1177/0963662512458624.
As a form of public engagement, science festivals have rapidly expanded in size and number over recent years. However, as with other domains of informal public engagement that are not linked to policy outcomes, existing research .does not fully address science festivals' impacts and popularity. This study adduces evidence from surveys and focus groups to elucidate the perspectives of visitors at a large UK science festival. Results show that visitors value the opportunities afforded by the science festival to interact with scientific researchers and to encounter different types of science engagement aimed at adults, children and families. The most significant self-reported impact of attending a science festival is the development of increased interest in and curiosity about new areas of scientific knowledge within a socially stimulating and enjoyable setting.
作为公众参与的一种形式，科学节在近年来规模和数量都迅速扩大。然而，与其他与政策成果无关的非正式公众参与领域一样，现有研究并未充分探讨科学节的影响和受欢迎程度。本研究通过调查和焦点小组收集证据，以阐明英国一个大型科学节上参观者的观点。结果表明，参观者重视科学节提供的与科研人员互动的机会，以及接触针对成人、儿童和家庭的不同类型科学活动的机会。参观者自我报告的参加科学节最显著的影响是，在一个社交氛围活跃且愉悦的环境中，对科学知识新领域的兴趣和好奇心有所增加。
