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For busy researchers keen to get a primer on the basics of public engagement with research, we have created a new online course that you can complete whenever suits.

If, like many researchers, you’re interested in how public engagement with research (PER) might help enhance the quality and impact of your research but you’re not sure where to start and are after a quick and easy primer then our new online introduction to PER might be just the ticket.

Through bitesize videos, inspiring case studies and useful reflective exercises you’ll quickly be able to grasp the basics and start to think about and plan your own PER activities.

The course is broken down into four modules, that you can explore whenever and in whatever order you like, so you’re free to skip to the bits that seem most interesting or useful. There’s also plenty of signposting to opportunities and where to find more support.

The course was tested and revised based on feedback from researchers at various career stages across MPLS and MSD.

The four modules cover:

  • Intro to PER (what is it, benefits, storytelling)
  • Approaches to PER (how to identify audiences, different formats)
  • How to develop effective PER (project management, evaluating PER, tailoring to audiences and working on sensitive topics)
  • Developing projects and applying for funding (ideas, finding collaborators, finding and applying for funding)

Whilst our live introduction to PER lasts three hours, this online course is estimated to take two hours to complete.

We hope this will help develop your confidence to get started with PER, whether taking part in an existing activity or creating your own high quality activities.

Ready to give it a go?

Click here for instructions on how to access the course (requires single sign-on)

This course has been developed by public engagement professionals Sam Langford, Sarah Cosgriff and Hana Ayoob. The three trainers have a range of public engagement and science communication experience spanning universities, science centres, community work, science festivals and more. 

If you have any questions about PER, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Division's PER team.