RASreach 2026
Science Communication in a Changing Landscape
University of Manchester
Hosted in partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society
RASreach is a one-day conference convening science communicators, educators, researchers, and independent practitioners to examine the current and emerging landscape of science communication in the UK. The programme will address key themes including the economic realities of freelancing and funding, the integration of artificial intelligence in research and dissemination, public engagement and outreach practice, and interdisciplinary approaches to resource development and collaboration.
The conference will take place on Friday, 27 March 2026, from 09:00–17:00, at the J. Bell Burnell Lecture Theatre, Schuster Building (Physics), University of Manchester. The event will be delivered in a hybrid format, with RAS Fellows invited to join online from across the UK and internationally.
Registration opens later this week. Attendance is free for RAS Fellows (in person and online) and £20 for non-Fellows (in person and online).
We look forward to welcoming colleagues for a timely and forward-looking day of discussion and exchange.
Preliminary Programme Overview
Friday, 27 March 2026 | University of Manchester
Programme subject to confirmation.
A full programme with confirmed speakers will be published shortly.
09:00 – Registration & Morning Coffee
09:30 – Welcome
09:40–10:00 – Opening Keynote
Morning Session
Freelance
10:00–11:00
This session will explore the realities of freelance science communication within an evolving economic and institutional landscape. Themes are expected to include sustainability, portfolio careers, community-based outreach models, and strategies for navigating professional uncertainty while maintaining impact and integrity.
Funding
11:00–12:20
This session will examine how engagement and outreach initiatives are supported in a period of financial constraint. Discussion is likely to address hybrid funding models, institutional partnerships, adaptable delivery formats, and approaches to building resilience across universities, charities, and independent organisations.
12:20–12:45 – Poster Networking
12:45–13:45 – Lunch & Poster Networking (lunch to be provided)
Posters (maximum A0; fixings provided) and 3-minute QR-linked videos will be displayed throughout the day, with dedicated networking opportunities before lunch, during lunch, and during the afternoon break.
Afternoon Session
Engagement & Outreach (E&O)
13:45–15:00
This session will consider inclusive public engagement and innovative outreach practice. Themes include broadening participation, interdisciplinary approaches across STEAM, community collaboration, representation in curriculum and programming, and developing meaningful pathways into science.
15:00–15:30 – Coffee Break & Poster Networking
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
15:30–16:30
This panel will explore the implications of artificial intelligence for science communication and research culture. Anticipated themes include AI as both opportunity and disruption, questions of authorship and trust, ethical considerations, labour and sustainability, and the evolving role of communicators in an AI-influenced landscape.
16:30–17:00 – Closing Keynote
17:00 – Conference Close
For further information about RASreach 2026 at the University of Manchester, please contact Lucinda Offer, RAS Education and Outreach Officer, at loffer@ras.ac.uk
In partnership with:
