Between 2014 and 2019, the researchers engaged with more than 46,000 people who participated in shows, workshop and demonstrations, and a further 75,000 visitors to the Winchester Science Centre engaged with the Water Transistor exhibit. For over 10,400 people, these activities made a measurable difference to their understanding of modern technologies and how scientific research has improved their daily lives.
The activities increased the number of people, particularly school-age children, who understand that physics research has led to the smart phone and that research into optical fibres and lasers has led to the internet. Importantly, taking part in engagement activities also increased the number of school students who are inclined to study a science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) subject. The majority of participating schools were those with a high proportion of students from groups that are currently underrepresented in STEM higher education and related careers, such as low socio-economic groups.
Feedback shows how the activities enthused and informed participants:
“Great inspiration for upcoming physicists. Gave a broader idea to why we need to keep researching to improve the current technology.” Attendee at Light Express show for teachers
"I didn't know how much data could be transported in a fibre optic!" The Light Express Roadshow participant (general public)
“[I learned] light travels in straight lines but we can persuade it to bend.” Nine-year-old visitor to stand at RHS Tatton Park Garden Show
In addition, interest from print and broadcast media has taken science topics to an even wider domain. For example, the ‘Reflecting Photonics’ garden, along with an explanation of how the internet works, was featured on Gardener’s World and RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, reaching 4.45 million viewers. Light Express demonstrations were used on the BBC4 TV programme The Secret Story of Stuff: Materials of the Modern Age, watched by an estimated 0.4 million viewers.