Inviting a presenter or speaker to your British Science Week event can be a powerful way to engage audiences in science, technology, engineering and maths – and it doesn’t have to blow your budget! Below are five sources of presenters, many of whom are willing to help by offering their time for free.
If you need financial support to book a presenter or organise an event, why not see if you are eligible for one of our British Science Week grants?
Science Live
Science Live is an event platform that connects event organisers, science speakers and event volunteers together. It makes the organising and participating in science events that much easier. Since its launch in March 2016, our online community of science event organisers has been growing, allowing organisers, volunteers and speakers to find opportunities in their local area.
STEM Ambassadors
STEM Ambassadors are everyday people from real working backgrounds who volunteer their time to act as inspiring role models to young people. They offer their time voluntarily to enthuse and inspire students about STEM subjects. They can do this through a variety of activities such as clubs, careers talks, helping with school events, lessons and competitions, and much more. Your local STEM Ambassadors Management contract holder can help you decide how best to employ an Ambassador.
Local community
Other sources of free speakers and activities can be found within your local community. There are many people who will be willing to get involved with your event, you just need to ask!
Which local community groups could you go to for help? How could your local college or university get involved? Do you know any doctors, nurses, dentists or anybody working in a laboratory? Do you know any engineers or architects? Who’s your local builder? – even he or she could help! Don’t forget the resource of people; your local community is full of talented individuals just waiting to be asked. If mums and dads get involved in sports events, why not science events?
STEM directories
The STEM directories comprise a collection of schemes and activities provided by organisations from across the UK that aim to enhance and enrich your curriculum. These schemes are usually based around events or experiences that cannot be delivered with standard contacts and resources. Each activity is linked to the curriculum so that the impact of the experiences and outcomes can be sustained.
Founders4Schools (F4S)
F4S is a free service that shows students how the subjects they are studying in the classroom were also studied by local successful business founders. Students get a first-hand account of how people have used this education in their career paths.  The founders come into schools or colleges to talk to students for an hour-long session that teachers can set up in a matter of minutes.
Inspiring the Future & Primary Futures
Schools can access volunteers working in science for free through Inspiring the Future, and specifically for primary schools, Primary Futures. Volunteers come from all levels, from apprentices to CEOs, and from different jobs, including volunteers from Unilever, Genomics England, GKN Aerospace, and Sellafield.