SCIENCE MADE SIMPLE LIMITED

Their core work

Science Made Simple is a Cardiff-based SME specializing in science communication, public engagement, and STEM outreach. They translate complex research — from photonics to space science — into accessible experiences for schools, young people, and the general public. In EU projects, they serve as the public engagement and outreach partner, bridging the gap between researchers and non-specialist audiences through performance-based education, arts-science fusion, and researcher training in communication skills.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2018), SMS focused on participatory action-research and arts-based science education for secondary schools, as seen in PERFORM. From 2019 onward, they shifted toward embedding within highly technical research training networks — MUSIQ (advanced photonics) and CHARISMA (smart materials) — where their role was to deliver outreach and public engagement for specialist research topics. This evolution shows a move from designing their own engagement programmes to becoming a trusted outreach partner integrated directly into frontier research consortia.

SMS is increasingly embedded as the dedicated public engagement partner within technical MSCA training networks, suggesting future collaborations will value their ability to make specialist research accessible.

How they like to work

SMS never coordinates — they join as participant or third-party partner, typically in medium-to-large consortia. With 37 unique partners across 14 countries from just 5 projects, they connect broadly rather than deeply, which is characteristic of an outreach specialist brought in for their specific skillset. Working with SMS means getting a reliable, specialized engagement partner who fits into existing consortium structures without requiring a leadership role.

Despite only 5 projects, SMS has built a wide network of 37 partners across 14 countries, reflecting the large consortia typical of MSCA training networks and CSA actions. Their connections span across Europe with no single dominant geographic cluster beyond their UK base.

What sets them apart

SMS occupies a niche that few SMEs fill well: professional science communication embedded directly in research consortia. Unlike university press offices or freelance communicators, they bring a structured, education-tested methodology — including performance arts and participatory approaches — to make complex research topics tangible for public and youth audiences. For any consortium needing a credible outreach work package partner with a track record in MSCA and CSA projects, SMS is a proven choice.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Our Space Our Future
  Their largest funded project (EUR 147,500), combining space sector careers awareness with inclusion — bridging the SPACE pillar with social engagement goals.
• PERFORM
  Defined their identity as a science-arts engagement specialist, using performance and participatory research to connect secondary school students with science.
• MUSIQ
  Demonstrates their ability to serve as outreach partner in highly technical photonics research (MSCA-ITN), far from their original education focus.