Training for Researchers and DPhil Students

We have a number of free training courses available to help you learn about and develop your public engagement skills. Unless otherwise stated these courses are available to all (DPhil students, researchers at all levels, and support staff).

NOTE: You should always ensure that you check that you can attend courses before you book, and make a note of them in your own calendar. Please note that where stated, a refundable deposit may be payable. This deposit will only be refunded if you attend the session or notify us of withdrawal in good time. Full terms and conditions will be provided. 

Registration for courses will open at the start of each term.

Looking for the latest public engagement opportunities, funding or news? Look here.

The Public Engagement Lab: develop collaborative projects 

Deadline Friday 28 September

This is an amazing opportunity for 12 specially selected researchers to collaborate with the University museums and libraries to create exciting, innovative, high quality engagement projects. If selected you will work with the world leading experts from the museums and libraries service to explore public engagement in depth, and develop your ideas with a chance to pitch for a share of £40,000 to bring them to life. More information.

Introduction to Public Engagement

An introduction for those looking to get started in public engagement with research covering the basics of what it is, how to get started and a chance to be inspired by those already doing it. You will also have the chance to start developing your own plans, get feedback and get pointers to further support and information.

09.30-12.30 | 18 Oct 2018 - Careers Service, 56 Banbury Road
09.30-12.30 | 22 Nov 2018  - Seminar Room 1, GPEC, John Radcliffe Hospital
09.30-12.30 | 20 Feb 2019 - LG.03, Department of Statistics
09.30-12.30 | 04 June 2019 - Conference Room, Academic Corridor, John Radcliffe Hospital

Registration for Michaelmas Term sessions will be available at the start of term.

Telling Stories That Matter: Communicating Your Research through Story

Discover what elements of storytelling and narrative can be used to enhance a profession in the sciences. Craft compelling and moving stories from your experiences as a scientist using these key story elements: character, conflict, structure, metaphor and description. Apply these storytelling and narrative skills to working in the sciences: communicating research to a range of audiences (including publics, media and funding bodies); enhancing presentation skills; telling scientific stories across a range of media. Robert Holtom is a professional storyteller and consultant who has worked with a range of organisations to help them refine and hone their stories for a variety of audiences.

10.00-16.00 | 25 Oct 2018 - venue TBC
10.00-16.00 | 29 Jan 2019 - Careers Service, 56 Banbury Road
10.00-16.00 | 14 May 2019 - Careers Service, 56 Banbury Road

Registration for Michaelmas Term sessions will be available at the start of term.

A refundable deposit may be payable.

Podcast Your Science

From inception to publication; this practical session delivered by Emily Elias, journalist and producer of the Oxford Sparks podcast series, is a whirlwind tour through the basics of how to share your research in an engaging manner through podcasting. The session will introduce approaches to podcasting, present inspiration from a range of different podcast styles, and take you step-by-step through the basic technical skills of recording, editing and publishing audio files; you’ll have the chance to develop an idea and have a go recording it with support and feedback during the day.

N.B. Please note that you will need to bring a laptop and headphones.

Beyond Communication: Effective Two-Way Engagement

One-to-one Surgeries

Do you have an idea you'd like to develop or get funding for? Need advice or a sounding board for a new project? Not sure what to do about your Pathways to Impacts? If you'd like help with anything public engagement related, Dr Michaela Livingstone (Public Engagement Facilitator) holds open office hours on Tuesday afternoons, 2-3.30pm, at 9 Parks Road. Just email to arrange a time to suit.

Training from around the University