Our commitment and ethos
We believe that public engagement and outreach are important elements of a responsible and authentic research culture and environment.
We subscribe to the principles and commitments of the Manifesto for Public Engagement (NCCPE).
For us, public engagement is not tokenistic, but a core element of our Institutional Strategy to create better futures together. We encourage the consideration of when and how publics can be involved with our research throughout the lifecycle – from idea to impact.
Although not all research might lend itself to public engagement activities, we ensure that researchers and innovators have access to a variety of ways to engage that best suit their research activities and themselves.
Public engagement goes beyond dissemination to encompass meaningful dialogues with publics, valuing the benefits that a diversity of perspectives can bring to research and innovation design, delivery and impact realisation.
The four pillars of our public engagement activity
Strengthen
Build on existing excellent practice across the University - providing opportunities to share experiences and opportunities, grow networks and deepen relationships with internal and external partners and collaborators.
Acknowledge
Respect and reward the specialist skills, attributes, time and diversity of backgrounds and experiences that contribute to excellence in public engagement with research and seek to be recognised externally as leaders in public engagement.
Support
Provide specialist training opportunities to develop skills in engaged research, research and innovation communication, and citizen inquiry. We will develop communities of practice, provide internal resources and funding and support for leveraging external investment.
Embed
Provide opportunities for staff and students to engage in public engagement, building capacity for this activity across the institution - incorporating engaged research and innovation principles throughout the curriculum and doctoral college training.