Why engage
Source: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/sites/research-support/pen/why-engage Parent: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/sites/research-support
Public Engagement is involving the public with research. It is a two-way process which enhances that quality and/or impact of research and is mutually beneficial to both the public and researchers. The type of public engagement activity will vary depending on the reasons for engaging.
| Reason | Why? | Type of PE activity | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|
| To enlighten and enthuse | To share research and inspire the public | Festivals, discussions, conferences, exhibitions, social media, games, competitions | Did the public gain new knowledge and did this alter their perceptions, actions, or opinions? |
| To discuss and listen | To better inform researchers on the public’s opinions and concerns about their research and to get new viewpoints | Debates, forums, exhibitions, panels, social media | Did the public's insights lead to a change in the researchers approach or way of thinking? |
| To work together | To help shape future research pathways, policy or realisation of research outcomes | Citizen science, exhibitions, social media | Did collaboration of researcher and the public lead to changes in research policy, outcomes or future directions? |
Contact
Public Engagement team
publicengagement@brookes.ac.uk
Benefits of engaging
Public Engagement can develop and stimulate the work of universities with new ideas, analysis of challenges and curiosity, thereby benefiting researchers and research students, universities, and the many different publics in society.
Some of the benefits for researchers include:
- Improving your research impact and quality
- Gain fresh insights into research challenges and generate new research questions
- Improve accountability and transparency of your research
- Responding to societal needs
- Building trust between research institutions and the public
- Gaining visibility of you research and the your profile as a researcher
- Improving public interest and involvement in research
- Increasing your employability by developing transferable skills
- It is important to funders, as well as the University, and opens up access to additional funding