The ability to communicate mathematical and scientific ideas to a range of audiences and through a variety of media is a very important skill for undergraduates in STEM subjects. So also is the ability to reflect on challenging experiences such as volunteering and STEM ambassador activities and make sense of their implications for future personal development. This project aims to develop a programme of learning and associated materials designed to enable undergraduates (and postgraduates) to develop their communication skills. It will prepare them for and support them in the volunteering and STEM ambassador activities.. Through better practice in communicating mathematics and science, participants in the programme will both gain a deeper understanding on their subject and learning how to explain it in context. The aim is to turn the graduates of today into the mathematics and science ambassadors of the future.

The aim of the project is to develop a two-stage programme of learning in which the first stage enables undergraduates (and postgraduates) to develop their skills of communication of mathematical and scientific ideas. The second stage will prepare and support their volunteering and STEM ambassador activities. The overall aim is to enable them to be more effective in their future mathematical and scientific careers and thereby improve their employability.

1- Initial survey sent to all Head of Schools and Head of Careers services at the 34 HEIs in the region with UG STEM provision.

2- Smaller and purposive sample, selected from e-survey data, to be explored To be explored in more detail through semi-structured interviews.

The e-survey will be developed and tested, and the telephone interviews will be conducted, by an external researcher with relevant expertise and experience. The Spoke Regional Officer will analyse the data from both samples, and select the sample for semi structured interview. The results of the quantitative and qualitative data will be compiled by the Spoke Regional Officer into an internal Programme report, serving to highlight areas of best practice in the region and to further focus the work of the HE STEM Programme and regional spoke. A good practice guide with case studies, following the format of the HEA demonstrator projects could also be produced.