'in conversation' events

Here we detail some of our past 'in conversation' style events, along with the types of evaluation undertaken.

Animal experimentation

05/02/03 - Fellows Room, the Science Museum

After initial brief introduction and position statements from the speakers, the audience divided up into 4 groups of approximately 12 people. Each of these small groups met around a table, and was hosted by a facilitator from the Open University. The speakers each joined a group for 15 minutes. Wine was served throughout this time. After an hour, the audience reformed as a whole. Facilitators gave a summary of the discussion that had taken place in their group, and a vote was then conducted with the whole audience.

Types of evaluation used: in depth observation, speaker interviews, focus group with strand of the target audience.

An injection of sanity? A debate about MMR

14/01/03 - Antenna gallery, the Science Museum

The event was held in the evening next to Antenna's MMR exhibition. Attendees were allowed up to 50 minutes to look around the exhibition before the event started. The event took the form of a panel debate and lasted 1hr 50 mins. The audience and speakers were then invited for wine in the café.

Types of evaluation used: in depth observation, audience profile, audience email questionnaire, audience in-depth interviews.

Stem cell research

30/07/02 - lecture theatre, the Science Museum.

For this event there were five speakers, including one based in America who was communicating by live link. Each speaker spoke for 10-20 minutes. The chair was a scientist from Imperial College. The event lasted 1½ hours and was followed by a wine reception where members of the audience could talk to the speakers.

Types of evaluation used: in depth observation, audience profile, audience email questionnaire.