Public engagement describes a range of approaches that researchers can take to involve the public with their work.
The NCCPE has identified three distinct, if often overlapping, purposes that engagement can serve:
- Informing: inspiring, informing and educating the public and making the work of HE more accessible
- Consulting: actively listening to the public's concerns and insights
- Collaborating: working in partnership with the public to solve problems together, drawing on each other's expertise.
A growing body of evidence indicates that public engagement with research can create significant impacts:
for the University
- enriching research, teaching & learning
- demonstrating accountability
- strengthening and enriching brand and identity
- encouraging public appreciation for higher education and research
for staff and students
- motivating staff and students
- enriching the student experience
- helping staff and students ‘stay in tune' with wider social concerns
for society
- maximising the two-way flow of knowledge and learning
- contributing to social justice and corporate responsibility, leading to positive social outcomes
- building trust and mutual understanding
To explore these ideas further, go to the NCCPE website