Announcing the 2024 MPLS Public and Community Engagement with Research Fellows

The MPLS Division is pleased to introduce five new Public and Community Engagement with Research (PCER) Fellows for 2024. These researchers and professional services staff are leading exciting initiatives to embed PCER across their departments, focusing on sustainability, capacity building, strategic development and recognising achievements amongst their peers. 

This year’s cohort will come together through the Fellowship, connecting with their teams and fellow researchers to learn from each other’s experiences through a series of learning and networking opportunities.  

Meet the Fellows and their projects: 

Embedding PCER into the Materials Department 

Prof Susie Speller – Department of Materials, Professor of Materials Science 
This project will embed PCER within the Materials Department by developing a dedicated module for undergraduate and graduate courses, with the hope that it will be integrated into courses for credit. Alongside this, the department will develop a comprehensive PCER strategy to unify and elevate engagement efforts, moving beyond ad-hoc activities to foster broader societal impact. 

The Materials team also includes Lorraine Laird (Communications Manager and EA to Head of Department) and Helena Cotterill (Outreach Manager). 

Shake, Rattle and Roll! 

Dr Charlie Rex – Department of Earth Sciences, Outreach and Communications Manager 
With Shake, Rattle and Roll!, Charlie is creating dynamic activities that explore how waves—seismic and acoustic—are used in Earth Sciences research, from glaciology to volcanology. These activities will be showcased at science and community festivals, aiming to engage a wide range of audiences. The project will also develop a 'how-to' kit and workshops to help researchers and students develop their own future activities utilising the resources, ensuring the sustainability of public engagement across the department. The Earth Sciences team is completed by Professor David Pyle, Associate Professors Laura Stevens and Paula Koelemeijer, and Matthew Kemp and Hannah Sanderson. 

Catalysing Change, Too! 

Saskia O’Sullivan – Department of Chemistry Head of Outreach and Public Engagement with Research 
Building on a previous project, Catalysing Change, Too! focuses on enhancing Chemistry’s PCER capacity by creating a postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) programme to support the development of engagement across the department’s research groups. The department’s project will also expand the their PCER support network, support aid professional development, and recognise outstanding engagement efforts through incentives and celebration mechanisms. 

The Chemistry team includes Janice French (Head of Administration), Prof Andrew Goodwin (Associate Head of Department – Research),  A/Prof Richard Cooper (Head of Chemical CrystallgraphyCrystallography). 

PCER Training Pathways in Physics 

Dr Sian Tedaldi – Department of Physics, Outreach Programmes Manager 
This fellowship focuses on extending training available for graduate students to build a coherent PCER training framework for all members of the Department of Physics. Through three structured pathways tailored to different audience groups, researchers will develop their public engagement skills and apply them to meaningful projects, with year-round support. A strong evaluation framework will track progress, ensuring the long-term impact of these activities and contributing to the broader PCER community. 

The Physics team includes Kathryn O’Brien Skerry (Physics Access Officer) and Rachael Hawkins (Academic Coordinator). 

"Pitching In"-novation: Supporting Early Career Mathematicians in Creating Public Engagement Projects 

Dr Josh Bull – Mathematical Institute, Senior PDRA 
The “Pitching In”-novation project aims to empower early career mathematicians to create their own public engagement initiatives. Participants will receive training on effective engagement, communication and pitching, culminating in a competition where they can secure seed funding to bring their projects to life. This initiative will provide new opportunities for researchers to engage with the public while building sustainable PCER capacity within the department. 

Through these projects, these five fellows and their supporting teams are set to shape how public and community engagement with research is embedded into research culture within their departments. 

Professor Dermot O’Hare, Associate Head for Innovation said, "the MPLS PCER Fellowship represents a step forward in our mission of enabling, embedding and promoting a culture of public engagement with research across our departments. By supporting these innovative projects and nurturing collaboration between researchers and professional services staff, we are laying the groundwork for impactful, long-term engagement that not only enriches society but also enhances the quality and impact of our research. I look forward to seeing how this pilot will evolve and contribute to future REF submissions and the broader culture of public engagement at Oxford." 

 This pilot Fellowship is being reviewed to assess how the funding and networking opportunities support embedding a long-term culture of PCER. The aim is to ensure that these projects strengthen public engagement now and also contribute to the University’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) submissions, including future Public Engagement with Research narratives and impact case studies into the future. 

Stay tuned for updates on these exciting initiatives, which are helping to shape the future of research engagement across the Division and beyond. 

Find out more about the Division’s support for PCER.