Find the latest updates of public engagement news, opportunities, funding, and more.
UK Parliament: online training for researchers
These focused, practical webinars are 45 minutes long, and give an insight into how to use research to engage with Parliament.
Watch: Raising STEM aspirations - How can I make a real difference?
1 October 2020
The Department of Physics recently hosted Dr Martin Archer, Stephen Hawking fellow in space physics and public engagement at Imperial College London to talk about what we know about what factors affect STEM aspirations, what's likely to impact aspirations, before talking through a case study of a project he's been involved in.
PER Conference 2020 - session videos and materials available - watch them before they're gone!
The University's PER Conference (7-10 July 2020) session videos and slides, etc., will be online for another month.
Mother Earth: Taking Research to School Children During the Pandemic
In 2020 summer term, as schools closed down due to the corona virus pandemic, Cowley Road Works facilitated projects to bring together researchers and school students in an engagement project for children to access from their homes. Originally envisaged as a project to bring research to life as part of the Carnival in July, here we report how the modified online project went.
Wellcome Enriching Engagement funded projects announced
14 August 2020
Seven projects from Medical Sciences and MPLS have been awarded funding in Round 2 of the Enriching Engagement grant scheme. They join the six Round 1 projects awarded in November 2019. Have a read of the project summaries for a bit of inspiration.
A guide to using virtual events to facilitate community building
This new guide from the Centre for Scientific Collaboration and Community Engagement presents a range of 'recipes' of how to do various different event formats virtually, with plenty of useful practical tips and tricks.
Public Attitudes to Science 2019 Report
The Public Attitudes to Science surveys take place every five or so years, taking the pulse of the nation in terms of how people feel about science - covering various aspects of engagement with and trust of science, as well as attitudes towards specific topics.
No more Pathways to Impact: how impact is being embedded into research grant proposals
Throw away your boiler plates, UKRI's new approach to embedding impact in research grants aims for more creative and meaningful plans. I've taken a look at what each of the research councils are saying about it.
Read: Misinformation and Its Correction
An article reviewing what we know about misinformation's origins, how we process information, and why it's so tricky to tackle misinformation. It provides some simple practical recommendations for anyone interested in understanding more to improve their practice.
Listen: Science communication made simple podcast from Nature Careers
The Working Scientist Podcast from Nature Careers discusses the craft of clear storytelling and science writing with seasoned communicators and journalists.
Watch: How to make pro videos with your phone during a pandemic (20 mins)
Barry J Gibb, film-maker and former scientist has made this handy short introduction on how to make decent quality videos from home - based on a workshop he normally delivers.
National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research Public Enggement Awards, no deadline
The National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) invites applications for its public engagement awards that support NC3Rs-funded researchers to engage the public with the approaches being taken to replace, reduce and refine animal use in science with the aim is to share the benefits of the centre’s research to science and society, and promote thought-provoking events across the UK for a range of different audiences. Up to £1,500 is available.
Top tips on running public-led engagement using social media
The team behind the Nappy Science and Parenting Science gangs have written up their top tips on using social media for public-led engagement - a really interesting read for anyone looking to do rich online science engagement.
STFC Public Engagement reaction awards, no deadline
These grants offer up to £5k to support unexpected or significant discoveries related to STFC’s science and technology remit and may also be appropriate when the awareness of the social, cultural, or economic impacts of STFC science and technology are significantly heightened.
Engaging the public on climate risks and adaptation: a briefing with survey results and guidance
Climate Outreach and the University of Cardiff carried out a survey to gauge public perception of climate change and its associated risks. Here, the findings are presented alongside a guide that provides seven practical, evidence-based recommendations for communicators and practitioners working to engage the public on climate risks and adaptation.
Top tips for getting your science out there from Craig Cormick
Craig Cormick explains how scientists can get their arguments across to members of the public.
What do the recent changes to Pathways to Impact mean for public engagement with research?
UKRI recently announced that they were reviewing the research grant process, and as part of this review there will be changes to their requirements for pathways to impact - a mechanism used by many to plan and resource public engagement with research - so what does this mean for public engagement with research?
3 new Oxford Citizen Science projects funded by UKRI
19 February 2020
UKRI recently announced the projects funded through their place-based and citizen science funding schemes. Three grants led by Oxford researchers have been funded, with a further two supported by Oxford. Congratulations! Read the project descriptions here.
Exploring the impact of Planet Hunters: key findings
Dr. Annaleise Depper (Evaluation Officer, Public Engagement with Research) at the University of Oxford shares the results and findings from an evaluation of Planet Hunters conducted in 2019.
Public Engagement with Research Seed Fund 2019/20 - project list now available
18 February 2020
The list of project summaries for this year's PER Seed Fund projects are now available - 23 projects were funded in total, seven from MPLS researchers. Take a look, for inspiration and ideas.