Public Engagement with Research
Engaging the public with the design, conduct and dissemination and research can enhance the quality and impact of research. On these pages you'll find the latest updates, info on training, top tips and more.
Latest
Find the latest updates of public engagement news, opportunities, funding, and more.
Science Together: Oxford Researchers and Communities
Science Together: Oxford Researchers and Communities (STORC) is an engagement programme that aims to accelerate impact from university research by enabling mutually beneficial partnerships between university staff, researchers and local community organisations. STORC collaborations facilitate knowledge exchange, develop skills, support innovation and explore what can be achieved to improve the lives of local people when expertise is shared.
Oxford Sparks: Get Involved
Oxford Sparks is the University's digital engagement platform for sciences, and produces high quality media such as podcasts and videos, as well as managing social media channels. Find out how you can get involved.
Training for Researchers and DPhil Students
Training available to all in MPLS and MSD to help you find out more about public engagement and develop your skills.
Online Intro to Public Engagement with Research
Do at your own pace, and in your own time. This four module course uses short videos and exercises to introduce what public engagement with research is, why it matters and how to plan and do effective public engagement with research.
Three Minute Thesis Competition
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition developed by the University of Queensland. First run in 2008, 3MT® has grown to become a global competition, with universities around the world holding their own events. The exercise challenges doctoral students to present a compelling talk on their thesis topic and its significance in just 180 seconds to a non-specialist audience.
Support available
Where to find support for planning and delivering projects, getting funding or just getting your head around public engagement with research.
What is public engagement with research?
Whether telling people about the results of your research or involving others in doing research, public engagement with research can involve a wide array of activities that all enhance the quality and impact of your research. So let's take a closer look.
Guide: Including Public Engagement with Research in Grants
Public Engagement with Research (PER) activities can be included and resourced as part of Research Council and many other funders’ grant applications, and is a great way to ensure the quality and impact of your research. This guide provides step by step guidance on how to identify relevant PER activities, and to incorporate plans for these into your research grant proposals. Work through each section below, or jump to sections that you're most interested in. We have included fictional examples to help you think about the questions and guidance apply in practice, but you should not copy these. If in doubt you can access support from the MPLS Division's Public Engagement with Research team, or support within your department.
Case Studies
We're collecting a range of examples of engagement work from right here at the University to help inspire you. Whether you're new to engagement or looking for something innovative, there's something for everyone.
Announcing the 2024 MPLS Public and Community Engagement with Research Fellows
Five Public and Community Engagement with Research (PCER) Fellows have been selected for this new scheme. These researchers and professional services staff are leading exciting initiatives to embed PCER across their departments. Find out more about their projects.
Equipment available to borrow
We provide a range of audio visual and event equipment that is available to borrow via our PERShare website. **equipment loans are currently on hold**
MPLS Division's Strategic Plan for Public Engagement with Research
Our strategic plan focuses on demonstrating the value of PER, building capacity, particularly by supporting departments, and exploring where we can facilitate effective collaborations across the Division and with other partners.