Cardiff University - PhD Research
Science outreach, grounded in science research.
NOVA Outreach is not just passionate about science - it is doing science.
The bigger picture
Why research-informed outreach matters
NOVA Outreach's programmes are not designed by gut instinct. They are directly informed by ongoing doctoral research at Cardiff University - ensuring that every session we deliver is as impactful as the science we share.
This research runs across two parallel strands, both of which shape what NOVA Outreach does and why it does it the way it does.
Science Capital Study
Does consistent, high-quality astrophysics outreach measurably improve children's science capital?
This longitudinal study tracks pupils who experience NOVA Outreach programmes across an academic year, measuring changes in science identity, science attitudes, and science engagement using validated science capital instruments.
Science capital is a framework developed to understand why some young people feel science is "for them" - and why others do not. NOVA Outreach is built to change that second category.
The findings directly inform and improve every session NOVA Outreach delivers. When the research tells us something works better, we update what we do.
What we measure
- ✓ Science identity (does the child see themselves as a scientist?)
- ✓ Science attitudes (is science interesting? Is it for people like me?)
- ✓ Science engagement (do they talk about science? Seek it out?)
- ✓ Science literacy (can they articulate what they have learned?)
Research conducted in partnership with Cardiff University. Publications and findings will be shared here as the research progresses.
Research conducted at:
Supervisor details and publication links will be added as the research progresses.