http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/32865 2026-06-21T22:00:33Z http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33479 Title: Whose Side Are You On? Ideology and Support for Educational Strikes in England Authors: Pickering, SD; Hansen, ME; Dorussen, H; Reifler, J; Scotto, T; Sunahara, Y; Yen, D Abstract: ... Description: ... 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33471 Title: Exploring the use and implications of comedy and humour in science and public science communication in Ghana Authors: Osei, Jennifer Anima Abstract: This study explores the use of comedy and humour as tools for science communication in Ghana, where public understanding of and engagement with science remains limited. While science communication bridges the gap between experts and lay audiences, traditional dissemination methods often fail to resonate with diverse communities. Globally, humour has gained traction in science communication, yet its effectiveness in Ghana’s unique cultural context remains underexplored. This research examines how humour can enhance public understanding of science, focusing on audience preferences, the willingness of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) advocates to adopt humour-based approaches, and the overall reception of comedic science performances. Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and participant observation, the study evaluated the effectiveness of stand-up comedy and other humorous formats in simplifying complex scientific concepts and fostering public engagement. Key findings reveal that participants reported improved message recall, heightened engagement, and reduced feelings of intimidation when scientific content was delivered through humour-based approaches. Audiences responded most positively to formats rooted in local cultural expressions, such as satire, storytelling, and dramatized performances. The research also found that integrating humour helped connect the linguistic and educational divides, making science more accessible to marginalised communities. However, challenges such as balancing entertainment with scientific accuracy and limited institutional support were noted. These findings offer cultural and societal insights into the role of comedy in science communication in Ghana and provide practical strategies for engaging diverse audiences. Ultimately, the study contributes to global discussions on innovative science communication by demonstrating that humour can translate scientific knowledge effectively while fostering trust and a deeper connection between scientists and the public. Description: This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33459 Title: A journey through ‘infraspace’: The financial architecture of infrastructure Authors: Heslop, LA Abstract: This paper challenges dominant governance paradigms by exploring the world of infrastructure investment, referred to by the industry as the ‘infraspace’. Starting with financial institutions and multilateral development agencies that steer global infrastructure money, it will trace the financial, technical, bureaucratic and aspirational journey of infrastructure and infrastructure planning. Examining the sociofinancial architecture of infrastructure and development pulls into focus the relationship between states, state-owned enterprises and multilateral financial institutions. Rather than focus primarily on the social and cultural consequences of infrastructural change, however, or how the political promise and aspiration of infrastructure measures up to its everyday use, the point of departure for this paper is the social, economic and political relations that produce infrastructure. Such an examination requires a journey beyond the state and through infraspace. 2020-07-28T00:00:00Z http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33456 Title: Rethinking Advice for Micro-entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka Authors: Heslop, L Abstract: In this Policy Brief, Dr Luke Heslop draws on his research showing that micro-entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka rely primarily on informal networks, whilst formal advisory systems are fragmented, poorly targeted, and do not align with the realities of small-scale survivalist enterprise. Description: Published online 8 June 2026: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/brunel-public-policy/news-and-events/news/Policy-briefs/Economy/Policy-Brief-Rethinking-Advice-for-Micro-entrepreneurs-in-Sri-Lanka 2026-06-08T00:00:00Z