Find the latest updates of public engagement news, opportunities, funding, and more.
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.
PERShare - Equipment available to borrow
We have a range of kit available to borrow; from cameras and microphones to gazebos and tables - all for free!
Congratulations to Enriching Engagement Grants Awardees
The first awardees of the University of Oxford’s Enriching Engagement funding scheme have now been announced, and includes "Prof. Chris Lintott (PI) and Dr. Helen Spiers (project lead), Scribbling for Science in Schools: Taking Authentic Research into Schools with the Zooniverse".
Enter the Zooniverse: An interactive light installation
The popular citizen science project, Galaxy Zoo, went super-sized at this year’s Oxford Christmas Light Festival (Friday 15 – Saturday 16 November 2019). Crowds of visitors to the vibrant annual seasonal celebration got a taste of the astronomical by helping researchers describe hundreds of images of galaxies, projected at massive scale onto to the buildings in Bonn Square. Here is a taste of the project.
Physiological Society Small Outreach Grants, no deadline
The Physiological Society small outreach grants support projects that increase understanding and awareness of physiology. Up to £500 is available.
Yee Whye in I'm a Researcher: Machine Learning Zone
Prof Yee Whye Teh took part in the online engagement activity, I'm a Researcher... Get Me Out of Here (Machine Learning Zone) - and won the student vote! Congratulations. In this blog, originally posted on his groups web pages he talks about his experience.
Little Book of Evaluation Tools: Curiosity Carnival
A handy, short guide to a number of different methods you can use to evaluate different engagement activities, including their pros, cons and examples of how they were each used during the Curiosity Carnival, 2017.
Science Shop on a successful field trip with follow-up workshop
22 October 2019
22 Oxford PhD students in Environmental Research visited the Cotswolds last week and heard about local issues
Public Engagement with Research Leadership Scheme awardees announced
Seven successful applicants have been chosen as the 2019-20 cohort of Public Engagement with Research (PER) Leaders. Two awardees are from MPLS departments.
UKRI launches its new vision for Public Engagement
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has launched its vision for public engagement, setting out their key areas of interest and focus to enable them to "promote world-leading research and innovation that is built on the knowledge and values of society and open to people from all backgrounds."
Planning for Impact: for public engagement and beyond
This new guidance document for UKRI grant applications aims to help applicants write high quality Pathways to Impact as part of their grant proposals. It will also be of use for reviewers to understand what constitutes high quality Pathways to Impact, and for anyone supporting researchers.