Public Engagement

The first rule of public engagement is flexibility, as we found out when our lecture room was already taken for our session. So we moved outside to by the lake and shared our ideas about public engagement with the ducks!

We talked about five aspects of public engagement: what it is, why do we do it, when should we do it, how should we do it and who should be involved?

What is public engagement?

"Public engagement describes the myriad of ways in which the activity and benefits of higher education and research can be shared with the public. Engagement is by definition a two-way process, involving interaction and listening, with the goal of generating mutual benefit." (National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement)

Why should we use public engagement?

- Recruitment

- Feedback

- Funding

- To create a network

- To break down barriers between research, practice and the public

- To ensure research does not become a solitary activity

- To think creatively and to challenge your own assumptions

When should we use public engagement?

- It can be used throughout the research process.

- It should never be seen as an add on: it's part of the research process

How should we engage with the public?

- In a method that fit's in with your research

- Face to face

- Social media

- Think outside the box

Who should be involved in public engagement?

- Public engagement should have mutual benefit for researcher and public

- It's a two way relationship: transmitting, receiving or collaborating 

- Remember that one person can be many things (e.g. a mother, a drinker, a Christian etc). This is important to remember when defining and segmenting your targeted 'public'

I now have a new insight into public engagement in research and intend to use this information in my current and future research practice. On a side note, would anyone be interested in watching a psychology YouTube channel? I'm considering setting one up!

Please leave comments.