Why public engagement?

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