Public Engagement in Research
As a signatory to the National Co-ordinating Centre’s Manifesto for Public Engagement, the University follows the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement definition of public engagement in our work with two-way, mutually beneficial engagement at its centre:
'Public engagement describes the myriad of ways in which the activity and benefits of higher education and research can be shared with the public. Engagement is by definition a two-way process, involving interaction and listening, with the goal of generating mutual benefit.'
Across UWS we are committed to producing excellent research, innovation or engagement opportunities that are relevant to global societal challenges. We have a range of assistance and support measures in place to ensure our staff and doctoral students are equipped to engage with communities outside the University. This is a resource page to help researchers seeking to build their capacity and confidence as they find ways to inform, consult and collaborate with the public. Engaging with the public enriches our research with new ideas and critical challenge and UWS values public engagement as an important aspect of academic endeavour.
Public engagement with research describes a diversity of activities including:
- Creating opportunities for the public to inform the research questions being tackled
- Working with museums/galleries/science centres and other cultural venues
- Researchers and public working together to inform policy
- Presenting to the public (e.g. public lectures or participatory dialogue events)
- Participating in festivals, film screenings, performances and exhibitions
Our Approach
Many different public engagement events and activities take place across the UWS campuses.
To enable and support an environment across the University of the West of Scotland where high-quality public engagement with research can flourish, advice and support is available for a range of engagement types. Researchers at UWS lead their own Public Engagement projects as engaged research practice is evidenced to enrich research and enhance the University’s impact on, and contribution to, society.
From finding funding, to advising on the approach, to offering you opportunities to engage this page will help you find the right support and includes a number of resources to inform and support you in developing your public engagement activities.
#UWSResearchMatters
At UWS, the UWS Impact and Public Engagement Group (IPEG) support support impact and external engagement and public outreach as part of their role. In the new academic year 2021-2022, IPEG will launch #UWSResearchMatters, a public engagement of research campaign to build on current activities, to share and to inform others about the research work across UWS. #UWSResearchMatters seeks to bring research to life and also to listen to people and communities outside the University. Staff interested in joining IPEG as a new member or interested in contributing to the campaign are invited to contact ashley.forrester@uws.ac.uk.
Information for Researchers
Why is Public Engagement with Research important?
Firstly, it is a great way to ensure your research is relevant to the wider world. Engaging directly with publics outside of your research environment will ensure you are meeting its needs. You will need to consider what specific public group and tailor your engagement activities with a particular audience in mind. Effective public engagement builds trust and understanding and is likely to result in valuable insights and new ideas.
How do I engage the public in my research?
The NCCPE has defined four common ways that researchers can engage the public with their research.
- Communicating research activity and outcomes
Goal: to find effective ways of informing the public about research, and to increase its accessibility. This can involve a range of methods to inspire and involve different audiences - Listening to public views and concerns
Goal: to make sure that you get better informed about the public’s views and concerns about your research, and more sensitive to the social and ethical issues that relate to it. It’s also an opportunity to hear fresh perspectives and insights which can fundamentally challenge and help to develop your own thinking and lines of enquiry - Involving the public as researchers
Goal: To encourage public participation in your research by involving people as researchers for your project - Developing collaborative research and co-inquiry projects
Goal: to develop genuine collaboration, where the research questions are developed and explored in partnership with the public
Where can I get help and support?
National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement
The NCCPE has a wealth of information and guidance on engagement. They have created a wealth of resources to support high quality engagement and you are encouraged to use their site to locate useful content to support your work.
Design of public Engagement activities and evaluation.
The UWS Research Services team are available for advice if you would like to discuss your pubic engagement plans. Contact researchservices@uws.ac.uk
The UWS Marketing and Communications team are available for advice if you would like to promote your public engagement activities. Contact communications@uws.ac.uk
External Funding for Public Engagement activities
Charities
Wellcome Trust, and other charities offer various levels of funding for public engagement activity.
Professional Bodies and Academies
The funding is often category and subject dependant on audience and the amount of funding available. Check out Institute Of Physics, Royal Society of Chemistry, Royal Society of Biology.
UKRI
Research Councils will often expect public engagement activities to be built in at grant proposal stage. For example BBSRC look for around 1% of grant money to be spent on engagement.
AHRC Follow-on Funding for Impact and Engagement provides funds to support innovative and creative engagements with new audiences and communities (up to £100K, no deadline).
For a more comprehensive list of funding for public engagement visit the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement website.
Training
A range of internal training programmes are available for staff and students at all levels alongside of experience to engage more effectively with the public is available.
Further resources are available for UWS staff on the Public Engagement Connect page. Events will be made available via the Researcher Development page on the Training Portal.
What’s on at UWS?
There are many events at the University that are open and many are free of charge to the public, including inaugural lectures, festivals, talks and performances. There are a wide range of activities where the public can engage and give feedback on our ongoing research across our five campuses.
To keep up to date with the latest UWS events, follow our social media channels or visit our events page.
Last updated: 23/10/2024