Engage 2024 Programme
updated on 01 May 2024
34 minutes
We're looking forward to welcoming you to Bristol on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd May for the Engage Live Conference. This page lists the full programme so you can find out about the inspiring content on offer!
Day 1 - Wednesday 1st May
9:00 - 10:00: Registration
10:00 - 11:15: Opening Plenary - Transforming cultures
Join Steven Hill and Rebecca Blackman as they share what they have learned about using funding to stimulate more open and inclusive practices – and their visions for how different things might be in 2040 if we dare to dream...
Session chairs: Sophie Duncan and Paul Manners.
Session chairs: Sophie Duncan and Paul Manners.
11:15 - 11:45: Coffee break
11:45 - 12:45: Working sessions
Choose from one of our 7 parallel working sessions to explore innovative engagement approaches.
By All For All: Creative Communities, Cross Sector Co-Creation and Levelling Up
AHRC
Room: Empire Suite
Profiling the role of cultural R&D in education and skills, health and well-being, civic identity and pride-in-place – the key pillars of the government’s Levelling Up White Paper – this session will explore the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s Creative Communities programme and new models of delivering cultural R&D through cross-sector co-creation with communities across the devolved nations of the UK. Profiling case studies of best practice and live learning for our half a million pound Community Innovation Practitioner pilot project, to offer solution suggestions for a fairer & more inclusive innovation ecosystem that is by all, for all.
Room: Empire Suite
Profiling the role of cultural R&D in education and skills, health and well-being, civic identity and pride-in-place – the key pillars of the government’s Levelling Up White Paper – this session will explore the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s Creative Communities programme and new models of delivering cultural R&D through cross-sector co-creation with communities across the devolved nations of the UK. Profiling case studies of best practice and live learning for our half a million pound Community Innovation Practitioner pilot project, to offer solution suggestions for a fairer & more inclusive innovation ecosystem that is by all, for all.
Mindsets and missions for engagement with research
Museums Association
Room: Conservatory
What is valued as research, who is valued as a researcher, and how can we support wider civic engagement and better recognition of diverse experiences and knowledge? Mindsets + Missions is a learning and grants programme for museums and science centres of the future grounded in these questions. This interactive session will interrogate the learning and insights from the programme so far through a cross-sectoral lens, while bringing the experiences of those at the heart of participatory research in museums and science centres to life. Join us for discussion, collaborative activities and insight sharing.
Room: Conservatory
What is valued as research, who is valued as a researcher, and how can we support wider civic engagement and better recognition of diverse experiences and knowledge? Mindsets + Missions is a learning and grants programme for museums and science centres of the future grounded in these questions. This interactive session will interrogate the learning and insights from the programme so far through a cross-sectoral lens, while bringing the experiences of those at the heart of participatory research in museums and science centres to life. Join us for discussion, collaborative activities and insight sharing.
The Dundee Difference: Collabrating for Unexpected Wins
Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, University of Dundee
Room: Wallace
What do you think of when you hear 'Dundee'? Jute, jam, and journalism? Top-notch science and art? Or a city that regularly claims the highest rate of drug deaths in Europe? Dundee is a city that's full of surprises. Nestling on a uniquely sunny spot on the River Tay, it has an incredibly interwoven tapestry of creatives. In this session you'll meet both science- and art-based public engagement professionals and an award-winning community activist, as they share their story of unlikely collaborations that have led to huge physical changes in a vibrant but sometimes-challenging inner-city neighbourhood.
Room: Wallace
What do you think of when you hear 'Dundee'? Jute, jam, and journalism? Top-notch science and art? Or a city that regularly claims the highest rate of drug deaths in Europe? Dundee is a city that's full of surprises. Nestling on a uniquely sunny spot on the River Tay, it has an incredibly interwoven tapestry of creatives. In this session you'll meet both science- and art-based public engagement professionals and an award-winning community activist, as they share their story of unlikely collaborations that have led to huge physical changes in a vibrant but sometimes-challenging inner-city neighbourhood.
In Living Memory: what can community-led projects teach us about the underlying assumptions woven into public engagement as practice
Goldsmiths, University of London
Room: SS Great Britain
Based at Goldsmiths, In Living Memory celebrated Lewisham’s diversity and heritage for London Borough of Culture 2022. It empowered Lewisham’s diverse communities to tell their own stories, presenting them through traditional means as well as artistic and cultural activities and events.
This panel discussion will turn the floor over to those members of the community who took part, centring their experiences of engaging with Goldsmiths over the course of over two years. While celebrating the programme’s successes, it will provide a window into the challenges communities and HEIs face when undertaking ambitious collaborative endeavours.
Room: SS Great Britain
Based at Goldsmiths, In Living Memory celebrated Lewisham’s diversity and heritage for London Borough of Culture 2022. It empowered Lewisham’s diverse communities to tell their own stories, presenting them through traditional means as well as artistic and cultural activities and events.
This panel discussion will turn the floor over to those members of the community who took part, centring their experiences of engaging with Goldsmiths over the course of over two years. While celebrating the programme’s successes, it will provide a window into the challenges communities and HEIs face when undertaking ambitious collaborative endeavours.
Participation, Integration, and Inclusivity: Lessons from the Haringey Community Workshops
Kingston University
Room: Concorde
Join us for a panel discussion on 'Participation, Integration, and Inclusivity: Lessons from the Haringey Community Workshops,' where we delve into the transformative world of community engagement. This session, led by experts Azadeh Fatehrad, Burcu Keser, and Clara Schade-Poulsen, will explore the intricate dynamics of societal integration through the lens of a successful London-based project. Expect an engaging blend of real-world case studies, interactive discussions, and practical insights on creating inclusive and accessible community programs. Perfect for professionals across all levels, this workshop promises to inspire, inform, and empower you to make a tangible impact in your own communities.
Room: Concorde
Join us for a panel discussion on 'Participation, Integration, and Inclusivity: Lessons from the Haringey Community Workshops,' where we delve into the transformative world of community engagement. This session, led by experts Azadeh Fatehrad, Burcu Keser, and Clara Schade-Poulsen, will explore the intricate dynamics of societal integration through the lens of a successful London-based project. Expect an engaging blend of real-world case studies, interactive discussions, and practical insights on creating inclusive and accessible community programs. Perfect for professionals across all levels, this workshop promises to inspire, inform, and empower you to make a tangible impact in your own communities.
How can place influence programming?
University of Birmingham
Room: Old Vic
How does place influence programming? Join the public programming teams from Imperial College London and the University of Birmingham to learn how they have faced the exciting opportunity of programming new venues with local communities. This panel session will introduce two engagement facilities, The Invention Rooms and The Exchange, and reflect on the influence that ‘location’ can have had on both the development of the facility and the programmes that are delivered in the venues. We will share examples and learning, as well as creating space for reflection and discussion with fellow delegates.
Room: Old Vic
How does place influence programming? Join the public programming teams from Imperial College London and the University of Birmingham to learn how they have faced the exciting opportunity of programming new venues with local communities. This panel session will introduce two engagement facilities, The Invention Rooms and The Exchange, and reflect on the influence that ‘location’ can have had on both the development of the facility and the programmes that are delivered in the venues. We will share examples and learning, as well as creating space for reflection and discussion with fellow delegates.
Building a movement for change
NCCPE
Room: Bristol Suite
In this workshop you will hear from people who have mobilised networks to support public and community engagement, and to effect change in how universities work. Drawing on national networks that are seeking to build capacity for change making, this workshop will provide an opportunity to find out more about how engagement is being supported in the UK and around the world.
Room: Bristol Suite
In this workshop you will hear from people who have mobilised networks to support public and community engagement, and to effect change in how universities work. Drawing on national networks that are seeking to build capacity for change making, this workshop will provide an opportunity to find out more about how engagement is being supported in the UK and around the world.
12:45 - 13:45: Lunch
13:45 - 14:45: Working sessions
Choose from one of our 7 parallel working sessions to explore innovative engagement approaches.
Changing the world, one story at a time: An introduction to Community Reporting
People's Voice Media
Room: Wallace
We live in an unequal world. Inequalities are pervasive throughout society - from health to education, employment to housing, democracy to social status. Things need to change.
We’re on a mission to use lived experience to inform services, research, and policy, and to change institutions, systems, and society for the better. We want to create a just world in which people’s lived experience is heard and has influence.
This interactive workshop explores how the Community Reporting digital storytelling method puts lived experience at the heart of service improvement, policy development, research practices and is a framework for real world change.
Room: Wallace
We live in an unequal world. Inequalities are pervasive throughout society - from health to education, employment to housing, democracy to social status. Things need to change.
We’re on a mission to use lived experience to inform services, research, and policy, and to change institutions, systems, and society for the better. We want to create a just world in which people’s lived experience is heard and has influence.
This interactive workshop explores how the Community Reporting digital storytelling method puts lived experience at the heart of service improvement, policy development, research practices and is a framework for real world change.
Community Connexions: a collaboration between the NHS, academia & local communities to tackle health inequalities by improving engagement with underserved populations.
Aston University
Room: Conservatory
In this session, we use a collaborative project with the NHS as a case study to explore different models of engagement with underserved residents and VCFSE (voluntary, community, faith, social enterprise) organisations. Our aim was to address health disparities in ways that was appropriate for residents. Through our collaborative work in some of the most deprived localities of Birmingham, we co-created a "Community Connexions Engagement Handbook" (among other resources), which emphasises the fact that “listening is not enough".
During the session, we will share our resources, and experiences of collaborating with different stakeholders in novel ways.
Room: Conservatory
In this session, we use a collaborative project with the NHS as a case study to explore different models of engagement with underserved residents and VCFSE (voluntary, community, faith, social enterprise) organisations. Our aim was to address health disparities in ways that was appropriate for residents. Through our collaborative work in some of the most deprived localities of Birmingham, we co-created a "Community Connexions Engagement Handbook" (among other resources), which emphasises the fact that “listening is not enough".
During the session, we will share our resources, and experiences of collaborating with different stakeholders in novel ways.
From Buzzword to Action: Harnessing PEP Expertise for Inclusive Research and Innovation Culture
Heriot-Watt University
Room: Bristol Suite
Research culture is the buzzword of the moment, with strategies and bespoke resources highlighting (rightly) the need for a healthy, dynamic, diverse and inclusive R&I system. Join us to explore how a decade of PEP-driven culture change work can accelerate the new agenda, and how you can support new teams and leaders with your institutional and sector wide knowledge. We will explore how PEPs can use the new REF to drive their agenda, and highlight how the wealth of experience in the PEP sector can accelerate the embedding of an inclusive healthy research culture.
Room: Bristol Suite
Research culture is the buzzword of the moment, with strategies and bespoke resources highlighting (rightly) the need for a healthy, dynamic, diverse and inclusive R&I system. Join us to explore how a decade of PEP-driven culture change work can accelerate the new agenda, and how you can support new teams and leaders with your institutional and sector wide knowledge. We will explore how PEPs can use the new REF to drive their agenda, and highlight how the wealth of experience in the PEP sector can accelerate the embedding of an inclusive healthy research culture.
Arts and Humanities engagement and impact: supporting innovative practice at 5 AHRC funded institutions
Bath Spa University
Room: SS Great Britain
In the public engagement sector, the arts are often used as a tool for engaging the public in STEM. But what impact can arts and humanities research have in its own right? And how do we measure that impact in a way that articulates the difference that A&H make to society? Staff from Bath Spa University, Museum of London Archaeology and the Royal College of Arts will share examples of best practice in supporting A&H research impact, and then discuss how to support and foreground A&H research impact in an industry where STEM engagement is better supported, funded, and valued.
Room: SS Great Britain
In the public engagement sector, the arts are often used as a tool for engaging the public in STEM. But what impact can arts and humanities research have in its own right? And how do we measure that impact in a way that articulates the difference that A&H make to society? Staff from Bath Spa University, Museum of London Archaeology and the Royal College of Arts will share examples of best practice in supporting A&H research impact, and then discuss how to support and foreground A&H research impact in an industry where STEM engagement is better supported, funded, and valued.
Exploring the wheel of consent; a tool for refocusing the balance of requests, labour, and benefits within the everyday level of engagement delivery.
University of Plymouth
Room: Empire
But who is it for? We offer a tool to reframe thinking about ethical delivery of public engagement. This does not advocate for maximum engagement, but rather supports critical reflection to navigate complexities within delivery. We will facilitate you will reflect on your own practice or the case studies provided, exploring: Who is making requests, and to whom? Who is doing the action/labour? Who is the action for (who benefits)? This will support development of thinking about these dynamics, and how to intervene to change them at both the ‘macro-level’ of project design, and ‘micro-level’ of everyday interactions.
Room: Empire
But who is it for? We offer a tool to reframe thinking about ethical delivery of public engagement. This does not advocate for maximum engagement, but rather supports critical reflection to navigate complexities within delivery. We will facilitate you will reflect on your own practice or the case studies provided, exploring: Who is making requests, and to whom? Who is doing the action/labour? Who is the action for (who benefits)? This will support development of thinking about these dynamics, and how to intervene to change them at both the ‘macro-level’ of project design, and ‘micro-level’ of everyday interactions.
What can a transgenic goat tell us about democracy? An introduction to deliberative public engagement in the twenty-first century
Involve
Room: Concorde
This one hour interactive workshop offers a short introduction to deliberation. What is it? Where is the value added? When is it useful? How does it differ from other types of engagement?
Room: Concorde
This one hour interactive workshop offers a short introduction to deliberation. What is it? Where is the value added? When is it useful? How does it differ from other types of engagement?
14:45 - 15:15: Coffee break
15:15 - 16:30: Plenary 2 - Creative Working Practices
Join Tanvir Bush and Paul Manners reflecting on promising practices that could inform the way we work now and in the future. Tanvir will be reflecting on her experiences of research, and how taking a new approach can transform who is included and the quality of the work. Professor Dr. Narin Hiransuthikul will also share some insights from engagement practice in Thailand
Session chair: Sophie Duncan
Session chair: Sophie Duncan
16:30 - 17:00: Story sessions
Settle in for a selection of engagement practice stories!
Young Black voices in research: our experiences
Youth Involvement and Engagement Lab
Would you like to hear some of the key reflections of young Black people involved in the research space? Join the screening of our animation which highlights some of our intersectional experiences, which lead us to question why certain practices are the way they are and the role they plan in reinforcing pre-existing power dynamics and inequities. The animation includes a call to action which encourages change within the public involvement and engagement space!
Would you like to hear some of the key reflections of young Black people involved in the research space? Join the screening of our animation which highlights some of our intersectional experiences, which lead us to question why certain practices are the way they are and the role they plan in reinforcing pre-existing power dynamics and inequities. The animation includes a call to action which encourages change within the public involvement and engagement space!
The British Science Association’s Future Forum – Young People Making Positive Change
British Science Association
The British Science Association’s Future Forum programme empowers young people to share their views and discuss innovative solutions to the challenges facing their communities, society and the world around them. In this story, we illustrate how the Future Forum programme works to elicit positive change by: Giving young people the opportunity to have their voices heard and make a valuable contribution; Allowing the BSA’s stakeholders and partners to obtain valuable data and insights to support better-informed decision making; Providing evidence to both the BSA internally and to external organisations and policy-makers to shape and inform future strategy.
The British Science Association’s Future Forum programme empowers young people to share their views and discuss innovative solutions to the challenges facing their communities, society and the world around them. In this story, we illustrate how the Future Forum programme works to elicit positive change by: Giving young people the opportunity to have their voices heard and make a valuable contribution; Allowing the BSA’s stakeholders and partners to obtain valuable data and insights to support better-informed decision making; Providing evidence to both the BSA internally and to external organisations and policy-makers to shape and inform future strategy.
Circularity in science engagement: an innovative concept to tackle inequality
Native Scientists
This talk aims to present an educational programme by telling a real story of a participant child. The programme takes scientists back to their primary schools to deliver hands-on science workshops for students, building on the concept of Circular Education, where scientists give back to their communities. By prioritising rural areas, with lower access to science, meaningful connections between children and scientists with the same background are created. This helps students realise that “people like me can go to university and be a scientist” and develop positive attitudes towards science and higher education.
This talk aims to present an educational programme by telling a real story of a participant child. The programme takes scientists back to their primary schools to deliver hands-on science workshops for students, building on the concept of Circular Education, where scientists give back to their communities. By prioritising rural areas, with lower access to science, meaningful connections between children and scientists with the same background are created. This helps students realise that “people like me can go to university and be a scientist” and develop positive attitudes towards science and higher education.
Multi stakeholder collaboration to support student-led outreach clinics
The University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Hear about how an undergraduate student-led clinic providing a cardiovascular screening and healthy lifestyle service has developed from first being delivered in a city centre location to members of the public, to now being an initiative that is delivered across the city to various people and populations. This has been made possible through engaging and collaborating with the local authority, local hospital trusts, third sector organisations, and primary care. We will share our story, our learning and findings and plans for evaluating impact.
Hear about how an undergraduate student-led clinic providing a cardiovascular screening and healthy lifestyle service has developed from first being delivered in a city centre location to members of the public, to now being an initiative that is delivered across the city to various people and populations. This has been made possible through engaging and collaborating with the local authority, local hospital trusts, third sector organisations, and primary care. We will share our story, our learning and findings and plans for evaluating impact.
Engaged Career Development in the context of the Research (Engagement and) Impact Agenda
The Open University
Though the research impact agenda has the potential to drive equitable and impactful public engagement practice, systematic approaches to career development are crucial to achieve this vision. Come explore key vocabulary, map the engaged career development learning landscape, and chart the increasing importance of engagement and impact within national and institutional strategy. Equip yourself to articulate the value of career development as a pathway to impact to funders and senior leaders. Hear how sector initiatives are implemented at an institutional level and what challenges remain to equip staff with the skills and experience to lead impactful engagement.
Though the research impact agenda has the potential to drive equitable and impactful public engagement practice, systematic approaches to career development are crucial to achieve this vision. Come explore key vocabulary, map the engaged career development learning landscape, and chart the increasing importance of engagement and impact within national and institutional strategy. Equip yourself to articulate the value of career development as a pathway to impact to funders and senior leaders. Hear how sector initiatives are implemented at an institutional level and what challenges remain to equip staff with the skills and experience to lead impactful engagement.
A (virtual) Law Clinic for Orkney
Robert Gordon University
In March 2023 Robert Gordon University Grampian Law Clinic and the Blide Trust Orkney launched a law clinic for Orkney. This project provides real world experience for law students and provides accessible access to justice for an underrepresented community. The Blide Trust supports clients by providing a safe space and assistance to attend virtual meetings with students and staff of the Law Centre based in Aberdeen. A year on from the launch of the clinic, we reflect on the effectiveness of this approach in providing legal assistance to those that otherwise would not be able to access it.
In March 2023 Robert Gordon University Grampian Law Clinic and the Blide Trust Orkney launched a law clinic for Orkney. This project provides real world experience for law students and provides accessible access to justice for an underrepresented community. The Blide Trust supports clients by providing a safe space and assistance to attend virtual meetings with students and staff of the Law Centre based in Aberdeen. A year on from the launch of the clinic, we reflect on the effectiveness of this approach in providing legal assistance to those that otherwise would not be able to access it.
What does it mean to engage citizens to deliver research in their own communities? Sharing findings and demonstrating how visual communication can support engagement.
University of Plymouth
This presentation has a dual purpose. Firstly, to share emerging findings from an ethnography examining the engagement of community researchers who are trained and paid to carry out research in their own communities. Secondly, to demonstrate how the use of visual media can be impactful in communicating about and advocating for such work, particularly as it is suited to diverse audiences.
This presentation has a dual purpose. Firstly, to share emerging findings from an ethnography examining the engagement of community researchers who are trained and paid to carry out research in their own communities. Secondly, to demonstrate how the use of visual media can be impactful in communicating about and advocating for such work, particularly as it is suited to diverse audiences.
We’re not Ben and Jerry’s, we’re Libby and Deni: partners in public involvement
Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre
Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre has created a novel and exciting role that puts co-production at the forefront of the centre’s public engagement practice. The Public Partner Co-lead for Public Involvement and Engagement works together with the academic co-lead for public involvement and engagement as an equal partnership. The co-lead relationship involves equitable power sharing to promote inclusivity and empowerment. We will take you on our co-productive journey to date and reflect on the highs, challenges faced and what makes us Libby and Deni.
Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre has created a novel and exciting role that puts co-production at the forefront of the centre’s public engagement practice. The Public Partner Co-lead for Public Involvement and Engagement works together with the academic co-lead for public involvement and engagement as an equal partnership. The co-lead relationship involves equitable power sharing to promote inclusivity and empowerment. We will take you on our co-productive journey to date and reflect on the highs, challenges faced and what makes us Libby and Deni.
Resilient Partnerships: Navigating Challenges, Fostering Innovation, and Celebrating Collaborative Triumphs with West Lothian Council in Place-Based Engagement Initiatives
Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University's Public Engagement Team will take a whistle stop tour through their place-based engagement initiatives with West Lothian Council. Navigating disruptions from staff changes to the cost-of-living crisis. From enabling Library spaces to ‘Borrow A Researcher’, to a community-led Eco-Ableism project, we've adapted to changes in the region with agility. Collaborating closely across 14 library locations, our work aims for equitable and accessible delivery, co-designed with community partners. Through STEM learning in heritage and participatory art practices, we've engaged meaningfully, fostering community connections. This journey, initiated before the pandemic, reflects our commitment to adaptive, impactful, and community-centric approaches.
Heriot-Watt University's Public Engagement Team will take a whistle stop tour through their place-based engagement initiatives with West Lothian Council. Navigating disruptions from staff changes to the cost-of-living crisis. From enabling Library spaces to ‘Borrow A Researcher’, to a community-led Eco-Ableism project, we've adapted to changes in the region with agility. Collaborating closely across 14 library locations, our work aims for equitable and accessible delivery, co-designed with community partners. Through STEM learning in heritage and participatory art practices, we've engaged meaningfully, fostering community connections. This journey, initiated before the pandemic, reflects our commitment to adaptive, impactful, and community-centric approaches.
London's communities imagined their future homes
London School of Economics and Political Science
This story will showcase how we brought together London's tenants and homeowners, community leaders, policy professionals and academic researchers to 'Imagine the future of their homes' with us, at the London Research and Policy Partnership (LRaPP). We discussed their current understanding and future visions for home retrofit, to co-produce knowledge and insights around this topic in a way that was meaningful for everyone involved. This was a new way of working for LRaPP and we would love to share lessons learned, challenges and insights with you.
This story will showcase how we brought together London's tenants and homeowners, community leaders, policy professionals and academic researchers to 'Imagine the future of their homes' with us, at the London Research and Policy Partnership (LRaPP). We discussed their current understanding and future visions for home retrofit, to co-produce knowledge and insights around this topic in a way that was meaningful for everyone involved. This was a new way of working for LRaPP and we would love to share lessons learned, challenges and insights with you.
The Social Engagement Models for Good Health and Well-being
Srinakharinwirot University
With the vision of Srinakharinwirot University of being the “learning university for society”, Asok model and Ongkarak model have been conducted as a tool for social engagement with the local communities and society. While the Asok model has been employed to engage with the central business of urban Bangkok, the Ongkarak model has been conducted to engage with a rural area near Bangkok. Both models demonstrate specific place-based challenges and have brought changes in the perspectives and lifestyles of the local people for a better life.
With the vision of Srinakharinwirot University of being the “learning university for society”, Asok model and Ongkarak model have been conducted as a tool for social engagement with the local communities and society. While the Asok model has been employed to engage with the central business of urban Bangkok, the Ongkarak model has been conducted to engage with a rural area near Bangkok. Both models demonstrate specific place-based challenges and have brought changes in the perspectives and lifestyles of the local people for a better life.
Power of collectivism: Reclaiming agency, voice and space
Martha Farrell Foundation
I will use a story method to describe the feminist advocacy movement led by women domestic workers to demand a safe and dignified workplace which is free from sexual harassment. story will narrate how advocacy efforts led by women domestic workers influenced the government institutional mechanisms.
I will use a story method to describe the feminist advocacy movement led by women domestic workers to demand a safe and dignified workplace which is free from sexual harassment. story will narrate how advocacy efforts led by women domestic workers influenced the government institutional mechanisms.
The Resonate Journey
University of Warwick
We’ve been working to understand the lifecycle of staff and students taking part in our Public Engagement events programmes at Warwick. We’ll be sharing how we’re developing support workshops, rehearsals, activity delivery, and follow up support that allows us to build stronger relationships with those we work with, leading to higher quality engagement practice for our audiences.
We’ve been working to understand the lifecycle of staff and students taking part in our Public Engagement events programmes at Warwick. We’ll be sharing how we’re developing support workshops, rehearsals, activity delivery, and follow up support that allows us to build stronger relationships with those we work with, leading to higher quality engagement practice for our audiences.
UCL's Policy Impact Unit
Policy Impact Unit, University College London
It has been five years since the Policy Impact Unit (PIU) was established at University College London (UCL) within the Department of Science Technology Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) - aiming to create a dedicated space for engagement which would deliver real world impact. Hear more about PIU's journey, the successes and things we have learnt along the way - as well as new techniques to drive innovation in engagement practices. This session will challenge your thinking, stimulate ideas, and encourages lively debate!
It has been five years since the Policy Impact Unit (PIU) was established at University College London (UCL) within the Department of Science Technology Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) - aiming to create a dedicated space for engagement which would deliver real world impact. Hear more about PIU's journey, the successes and things we have learnt along the way - as well as new techniques to drive innovation in engagement practices. This session will challenge your thinking, stimulate ideas, and encourages lively debate!
Mapping the International Repatriation Landscape
University of Exeter
Repatriation is the most pertinent issue facing European museums in the 21st century. Whilst there have been many developments over the past five years that have shaped approaches to repatriation, most of this information hasn't reached those who could use it - the Indigenous Nations searching for their stolen ancestors and belongings. Routes to Return aims to map this complex landscape to support Indigenous Nations and communities starting their international repatriation journeys. Amy Shakespeare will share her learnings from compiling this resource and why institutions need to prioritise sharing information with potential beneficiaries when creating new projects and initiatives.
Repatriation is the most pertinent issue facing European museums in the 21st century. Whilst there have been many developments over the past five years that have shaped approaches to repatriation, most of this information hasn't reached those who could use it - the Indigenous Nations searching for their stolen ancestors and belongings. Routes to Return aims to map this complex landscape to support Indigenous Nations and communities starting their international repatriation journeys. Amy Shakespeare will share her learnings from compiling this resource and why institutions need to prioritise sharing information with potential beneficiaries when creating new projects and initiatives.
Empowering Forest Fire Extinguishing Officer in Pongpufeang, ChiangRai, Thailand on Developing Innovative Fire Hotspot Monitoring Approach
Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Chiang Rai (RMUTL)
Forest fire and air pollution from open burning has been a big challenge in our region, as well as Thailand, particularly the northern part. This session will share exclusive experience from on-the-ground work to prevent and solve forest fire and air pollution in Chiang Rai, Thailand. The session will present how the practicing scholars from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna engaged with forest fire control officers, communities, local government agencies, and other stakeholders to engage in planning and technology development/implementation. The presentation will also highlight how the modern technologies (satellite images/GIS) were incorporated in easy-to-access by local community (Mobile Application).
Forest fire and air pollution from open burning has been a big challenge in our region, as well as Thailand, particularly the northern part. This session will share exclusive experience from on-the-ground work to prevent and solve forest fire and air pollution in Chiang Rai, Thailand. The session will present how the practicing scholars from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna engaged with forest fire control officers, communities, local government agencies, and other stakeholders to engage in planning and technology development/implementation. The presentation will also highlight how the modern technologies (satellite images/GIS) were incorporated in easy-to-access by local community (Mobile Application).
A Photo is Worth A Thousand Words'. The use of Photovoice to engage adolescents from Mare Favela, Rio de Janeiro and East London in mental health research
Queen Mary University of London
Join a fascinating storytelling session exploring how I applied Photovoice in engaging adolescents from East London and Mare Favela in mental health research. I'll present emotive visual and written data, providing insights from populations and settings underrepresented with mental health research. The session will share new knowledge related to an emerging and engaging research method and is tailored for diverse conference attendees. The session provides an overview of the Photovoice method and personal stories from the research field. From this session, you will better understand how Photovoice fosters adolescent engagement and the ethical considerations associated with such work.
Join a fascinating storytelling session exploring how I applied Photovoice in engaging adolescents from East London and Mare Favela in mental health research. I'll present emotive visual and written data, providing insights from populations and settings underrepresented with mental health research. The session will share new knowledge related to an emerging and engaging research method and is tailored for diverse conference attendees. The session provides an overview of the Photovoice method and personal stories from the research field. From this session, you will better understand how Photovoice fosters adolescent engagement and the ethical considerations associated with such work.
Transplantation Tales: Inspiring Young Minds in Kidney Care and Research
Queen's University Belfast
Our story, ‘Transplantation Tales’, will cover our recent experiences engaging with young people on the topic of kidney disease and organ donation to develop animation storyboards of patient education. We will talk about the creative and inspiring ideas and education developed by young people, and present unique ‘live-scribes’ of our event. We hope to engage in discussion and generate new ideas on best practices in working with young people in research-focused engagement.
Our story, ‘Transplantation Tales’, will cover our recent experiences engaging with young people on the topic of kidney disease and organ donation to develop animation storyboards of patient education. We will talk about the creative and inspiring ideas and education developed by young people, and present unique ‘live-scribes’ of our event. We hope to engage in discussion and generate new ideas on best practices in working with young people in research-focused engagement.
One in Ten
University of Manchester/Imperial College London
One in Ten is an eye-opening experience layering moving personal stories with a fascinating journey into the mysteries of the human body. You will be guided through an imaginative and evocative soundscape and invited to walk in the shoes of people deeply affected by a complex and misunderstood condition. To listen, you will need your own wi-fi-enabled smartphone or tablet and headphones/earphones/earbuds. The experience lasts 30 minutes. One in Ten was created by lived experience participants, researchers from the University of Manchester and Imperial and collaborating artists.
One in Ten is an eye-opening experience layering moving personal stories with a fascinating journey into the mysteries of the human body. You will be guided through an imaginative and evocative soundscape and invited to walk in the shoes of people deeply affected by a complex and misunderstood condition. To listen, you will need your own wi-fi-enabled smartphone or tablet and headphones/earphones/earbuds. The experience lasts 30 minutes. One in Ten was created by lived experience participants, researchers from the University of Manchester and Imperial and collaborating artists.
17:00 - 18:00: Drinks reception
Join us to continue the storytelling and sharing over a drink and a nibble.
Day 2 - Thursday 2nd May
8:45 - 10:00: Registration
09:00 - 09:45: Early bird sessions
For the early birds, we'll have some outdoor sessions and networking - let's make the most of a spring conference!
Outside Thinking: Reflections on Responsible Research and Innovation in Public Engagement
University of Bristol
Meet at Reception
Led by artist Dr Paul Hurley, this session will take you out into the open air to engage in interactive activities exploring the role of Responsible Research and Innovation and reflexivity in Public Engagement. You will be guided through a creative experience to reflect on your own practice and the futures we are co-creating. The session will be a chance to see how this work can have a positive impact on your practice, on the sector and society. Please come dressed appropriately for the weather and for a small walk, in a green space in the city. There are limited spaces available for this session - please sign up at the registration desk.
Meet at Reception
Led by artist Dr Paul Hurley, this session will take you out into the open air to engage in interactive activities exploring the role of Responsible Research and Innovation and reflexivity in Public Engagement. You will be guided through a creative experience to reflect on your own practice and the futures we are co-creating. The session will be a chance to see how this work can have a positive impact on your practice, on the sector and society. Please come dressed appropriately for the weather and for a small walk, in a green space in the city. There are limited spaces available for this session - please sign up at the registration desk.
Walk and talk
We'll help you find a partner for a walk and a chat! Spend some time wandering around Castle Park or grab a coffee from the nearby cafes. Whether you are outdoors or indoors, this will be a lovely opportunity to meet someone new and find out more about their work.
Meet at Reception
Meet at Reception
10:00 - 11:15: Plenary 3 - Reworking Systems
Karen Salt and Christina Boswell are sector leaders who have led and imagined change. Both have worked to influence the systems and strategies of their host institutions. And both are leading academics who have led major research projects to explore the dynamics of knowledge production and use, in a rapidly evolving context for the university sector.
Session chair: Paul Manners
Session chair: Paul Manners
11:15 - 12:30: Poster Party
A unique opportunity to come face to face with people working at the cutting edge of engagement – and, in our encounters, to experience firsthand some incredible examples of innovative practice. Expect to be intrigued, amazed, and inspired by the wealth of talent and expertise at play, and to make new connections that we guarantee will animate and enrich your work.
Balance Of Power
Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick
Power can be a tricky concept to engage with. How can we rebalance power and challenge inequalities in the co-production of health research? Come join us and play with the ‘balance of power’, a giant interactive weighing scale in which you get choose, chat, share and reflect on what impacts the ways we experience and share power in the co-production of health research. Meet PhD researcher Emily Ahmed and the PhD Lived Experience Advisory Panel to hear about their work in an open and accessible space.
Power can be a tricky concept to engage with. How can we rebalance power and challenge inequalities in the co-production of health research? Come join us and play with the ‘balance of power’, a giant interactive weighing scale in which you get choose, chat, share and reflect on what impacts the ways we experience and share power in the co-production of health research. Meet PhD researcher Emily Ahmed and the PhD Lived Experience Advisory Panel to hear about their work in an open and accessible space.
A journey of change - Expanding the EDGE Tool for individual change narratives
University of Cambridge
Supporting researchers in undertaking meaningful public engagement presents a series of challenges, and building a narrative of change is one of them. The EDGE tool supports successfully gathering evidence of culture change at the institutional level. We want to extend it to cover narratives for individual to further evidence impact and raise the profile of public engagement as a transformative endeavour for both institutions and individuals. We want your feedback as public engagement professionals on this proposal to extend the EDGE tool to apply it to individual narratives and promote its use among higher education professionals.
Supporting researchers in undertaking meaningful public engagement presents a series of challenges, and building a narrative of change is one of them. The EDGE tool supports successfully gathering evidence of culture change at the institutional level. We want to extend it to cover narratives for individual to further evidence impact and raise the profile of public engagement as a transformative endeavour for both institutions and individuals. We want your feedback as public engagement professionals on this proposal to extend the EDGE tool to apply it to individual narratives and promote its use among higher education professionals.
NTU Institute for Knowledge Exchange Practice: enabling everyone to discover their path to engagement
Nottingham Trent University
Discover the ecosystem emerging from the inception of the Institute for Knowledge Exchange Practice (IKEP). By sharing the widest breadth of methods and opportunities to work in engaged ways, we demonstrate that everyone can contribute to KE, regardless of experience, role or confidence levels. Launched in 2022, IKEP engaged with over 300 colleagues, supporting engagement, during the first year. Covering every KEF perspective, IKEP has a unique offer that supports an inclusive KE culture. We recognise the role that professional services, postgraduates and academics play in working with different publics to ensure our work makes a difference in the world.
Discover the ecosystem emerging from the inception of the Institute for Knowledge Exchange Practice (IKEP). By sharing the widest breadth of methods and opportunities to work in engaged ways, we demonstrate that everyone can contribute to KE, regardless of experience, role or confidence levels. Launched in 2022, IKEP engaged with over 300 colleagues, supporting engagement, during the first year. Covering every KEF perspective, IKEP has a unique offer that supports an inclusive KE culture. We recognise the role that professional services, postgraduates and academics play in working with different publics to ensure our work makes a difference in the world.
Outside Thinking: Reflections on Responsible Research and Innovation in Public Engagement
University of Bristol
This poster will share learning from the Outside Thinking session exploring the role of Responsible Research and Innovation and reflexivity in Public Engagement, and discuss how we can take this work forward.
This poster will share learning from the Outside Thinking session exploring the role of Responsible Research and Innovation and reflexivity in Public Engagement, and discuss how we can take this work forward.
Scientists Return to their Hometown: a case study of circularity in science engagement
Native Scientists
“Scientist Returns to School” is an educational programme developed in Portugal to reach underserved communities, built around the innovative concept of Circular Science Engagement. It promotes the return of scientists to their primary school, to develop hands-on workshops with 4th graders, fostering meaningful interactions, and inspiring both parties. The poster will provide an overview on how the programme was developed to include not only children and scientists, but also teachers, R&D institutions and municipalities. It also analyzes the impact it has had on the different stakeholders. We invite everyone to join us towards a more inclusive landscape in science engagement.
“Scientist Returns to School” is an educational programme developed in Portugal to reach underserved communities, built around the innovative concept of Circular Science Engagement. It promotes the return of scientists to their primary school, to develop hands-on workshops with 4th graders, fostering meaningful interactions, and inspiring both parties. The poster will provide an overview on how the programme was developed to include not only children and scientists, but also teachers, R&D institutions and municipalities. It also analyzes the impact it has had on the different stakeholders. We invite everyone to join us towards a more inclusive landscape in science engagement.
Transformative shorelines: creative community engagement for cultural adaptation in sites affected by coastal changes
Centre for Water Cultures, based at the Energy and Environment Institute, University of Hull
This poster outlines the main objectives and methodologies of my doctoral project, which focuses on how to creatively engage communities in sites affected by coastal changes. The case study of the lost towns of the Holderness coast, which have been washed away by the sea over time, and the towns facing the effects of coastal erosion today, will provide the starting point from which to start conversations with the delegates on the benefits of using place-based learning histories as community engagement tools in the context of public participation projects related to climate change issues.
This poster outlines the main objectives and methodologies of my doctoral project, which focuses on how to creatively engage communities in sites affected by coastal changes. The case study of the lost towns of the Holderness coast, which have been washed away by the sea over time, and the towns facing the effects of coastal erosion today, will provide the starting point from which to start conversations with the delegates on the benefits of using place-based learning histories as community engagement tools in the context of public participation projects related to climate change issues.
Tell your Untold Story: Using creative writing to explore workplace experience and belonging
Arts and Humanities Research Council
The Untold Stories of the NHS project has supported NHS staff to tell their Untold Stories of journeys and experiences within the organisation in its 75th year. Through flash postcard creative writing experiences, delegates will experience some of the methods used to engage staff in a range of roles and from diverse backgrounds in writing and telling their stories. The project has demonstrated that while many people experience threshold anxiety about writing creatively, once drawn in by the right prompt they quickly gain in confidence. Postcard responses produced by participants will be collated and displayed as the day progresses.
The Untold Stories of the NHS project has supported NHS staff to tell their Untold Stories of journeys and experiences within the organisation in its 75th year. Through flash postcard creative writing experiences, delegates will experience some of the methods used to engage staff in a range of roles and from diverse backgrounds in writing and telling their stories. The project has demonstrated that while many people experience threshold anxiety about writing creatively, once drawn in by the right prompt they quickly gain in confidence. Postcard responses produced by participants will be collated and displayed as the day progresses.
MetaMosaics: inclusive workshops through collaborative mosaic-making
Scientia Scripta Communication Services Ltd
MetaMosaics® is a tactile workshop technique that uses collaborative mosaic-making to stimulate creative thinking, support active listening and help diverse groups find common goals and purpose. We share key findings from our recent evaluation of the method to support more inclusive policy development. We show how the method brings a sense of share humanity around the table, by allowing people to share their ideas and experience and build on those from others in safety. Discover this novel technique and see if you could add it to your toolbox!
MetaMosaics® is a tactile workshop technique that uses collaborative mosaic-making to stimulate creative thinking, support active listening and help diverse groups find common goals and purpose. We share key findings from our recent evaluation of the method to support more inclusive policy development. We show how the method brings a sense of share humanity around the table, by allowing people to share their ideas and experience and build on those from others in safety. Discover this novel technique and see if you could add it to your toolbox!
Lowe Syndrome & Me: sharing perspectives on a rare disease
Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge
Rare disease advocates and families are often isolated and struggle to get the public's attention and funding for research into potential cures. With the Gurdon Institute public engagement team's support, researchers collaborate with patient families and Lowe Syndrome associations to co-create "Lowe Syndrome & Me", a video series to share information and perspectives between Lowe Syndrome patients, caregivers, and researchers: all the participants revealed what it means to work, live with or advocate for the Lowe Syndrome by shooting part of their daily life. We will share the 'behind the scenes' of the project with its downfalls and successes.
Rare disease advocates and families are often isolated and struggle to get the public's attention and funding for research into potential cures. With the Gurdon Institute public engagement team's support, researchers collaborate with patient families and Lowe Syndrome associations to co-create "Lowe Syndrome & Me", a video series to share information and perspectives between Lowe Syndrome patients, caregivers, and researchers: all the participants revealed what it means to work, live with or advocate for the Lowe Syndrome by shooting part of their daily life. We will share the 'behind the scenes' of the project with its downfalls and successes.
Creating Strategic Conversations to Create Change
University of Dundee
Over the past 6 years the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science has pioneered an approach bringing together diverse and disparate groups to assess challenges and create change through research and engagement. We invite you to dive into the art of creating impactful, and meaningful dialogues for change. Learn how we successfully break down power dynamics in participant involvement as well as how to design spaces that nurture open and constructive dialogue. You will leave this workshop with the practical tools needed to design and test your own Strategic Conversations — contributing to the transformation we all want to see.
Over the past 6 years the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science has pioneered an approach bringing together diverse and disparate groups to assess challenges and create change through research and engagement. We invite you to dive into the art of creating impactful, and meaningful dialogues for change. Learn how we successfully break down power dynamics in participant involvement as well as how to design spaces that nurture open and constructive dialogue. You will leave this workshop with the practical tools needed to design and test your own Strategic Conversations — contributing to the transformation we all want to see.
Using Crime Lab Chemistry to engage absent pupils
Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, University of Dundee
Join members of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science as they share the success and challenges encountered engaging busy teachers and absent pupils from high schools in Scotland. Learn how we designed, funded and facilitated the delivery of experiment kits based around real forensic chemistry techniques that could be carried out in the classroom or at home. We will also share our insights on how to build relationships with schools and students, how to facilitate engagement from busy teachers and researchers as well as how manage budgets, navigate university payment systems and ethical approval systems for engagement projects.
Join members of the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science as they share the success and challenges encountered engaging busy teachers and absent pupils from high schools in Scotland. Learn how we designed, funded and facilitated the delivery of experiment kits based around real forensic chemistry techniques that could be carried out in the classroom or at home. We will also share our insights on how to build relationships with schools and students, how to facilitate engagement from busy teachers and researchers as well as how manage budgets, navigate university payment systems and ethical approval systems for engagement projects.
One in Ten
University of Manchester/Imperial College London
One in Ten is an eye-opening experience layering moving personal stories with a fascinating journey into the mysteries of the human body. You will be guided through an imaginative and evocative soundscape and invited to walk in the shoes of people deeply affected by a complex and misunderstood condition. To listen, you will need your own wi-fi-enabled smartphone or tablet and headphones/earphones/earbuds. The experience lasts 30 minutes. One in Ten was created by lived experience participants, researchers from the University of Manchester and Imperial and collaborating artists.
One in Ten is an eye-opening experience layering moving personal stories with a fascinating journey into the mysteries of the human body. You will be guided through an imaginative and evocative soundscape and invited to walk in the shoes of people deeply affected by a complex and misunderstood condition. To listen, you will need your own wi-fi-enabled smartphone or tablet and headphones/earphones/earbuds. The experience lasts 30 minutes. One in Ten was created by lived experience participants, researchers from the University of Manchester and Imperial and collaborating artists.
Capturing NHS staff narratives of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic: applied research in an NHS Trust
Keele University
We present a project which used diary entries written by NHS staff to capture their narratives of the opening months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our poster will display the journey of developing the project during the demands of the pandemic, the methods used to collect data and how these were adapted to meet the needs of the participants, the analysis, and how dissemination was tailored to the different target audiences. It draws attention to the importance of developing accessible data collection methods for participants and considers ways to disseminate findings that are engaging and accessible for a range of audiences.
We present a project which used diary entries written by NHS staff to capture their narratives of the opening months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our poster will display the journey of developing the project during the demands of the pandemic, the methods used to collect data and how these were adapted to meet the needs of the participants, the analysis, and how dissemination was tailored to the different target audiences. It draws attention to the importance of developing accessible data collection methods for participants and considers ways to disseminate findings that are engaging and accessible for a range of audiences.
Convening knowledge on community advisory boards (CABs)
The Community Cast
There is an abundance of knowledge out there on the topic of Community Advisory Boards (CABs) but this knowledge is dispersed across diverse sectors, disciplines, people and geographies. We want to explore how storytelling through podcasts could bring together some of this variety, making it available and importantly useful in a way which is inclusive and accessible. We need your help to map what is known and what is important to you about CABs. We also want your inspiration and cautionary tales as we delve into the world of Podcasting as well as sharing this work through an online resource.
There is an abundance of knowledge out there on the topic of Community Advisory Boards (CABs) but this knowledge is dispersed across diverse sectors, disciplines, people and geographies. We want to explore how storytelling through podcasts could bring together some of this variety, making it available and importantly useful in a way which is inclusive and accessible. We need your help to map what is known and what is important to you about CABs. We also want your inspiration and cautionary tales as we delve into the world of Podcasting as well as sharing this work through an online resource.
4273pi: Bringing Bioinformatics to life in Scottish classrooms
School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh
Come along to find out how one of the world’s largest bioinformatics public engagement project works! Bioinformatics - the use of computers to analyse DNA and associated data - is increasingly important across the life sciences. Discover how over 8 years we’ve reached over 50% of Scottish state schools, through in-person workshops and teacher events. We’ll also talk about our use of governmental data to focus our engagement, and how we are continuing to evolve our active learning methods to enhance the learner experience.
Come along to find out how one of the world’s largest bioinformatics public engagement project works! Bioinformatics - the use of computers to analyse DNA and associated data - is increasingly important across the life sciences. Discover how over 8 years we’ve reached over 50% of Scottish state schools, through in-person workshops and teacher events. We’ll also talk about our use of governmental data to focus our engagement, and how we are continuing to evolve our active learning methods to enhance the learner experience.
PPIE Quality Mark: Improving Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) or just a tick-box exercise?
The University of Manchester
Join us to enhance a quality mark designed to improve Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in research. Come along to critique and collaborate and help us create a purpose driven tool that seeks to support and embed quality PPIE with research practice. Data management, accessibility and evaluation are just some of the areas we’ll explore together!
Join us to enhance a quality mark designed to improve Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in research. Come along to critique and collaborate and help us create a purpose driven tool that seeks to support and embed quality PPIE with research practice. Data management, accessibility and evaluation are just some of the areas we’ll explore together!
Young People in Museums: Changing the Cultural Sector
University of Manchester and Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum’s Our Shared Cultural Heritage (OSCH) developed new models for engaging young people, particularly from the South Asian diaspora, with heritage, as creators, decision-makers, citizens and trainers. Museums and heritage organisations became better places for young people to explore identity and belonging, connect with others, and become active and vocal participants in organisational decision-making. OSCH has established opportunities - often paid - for young people to tackle cultural inequalities and showcase cultural heritage from diaspora perspectives. In this encounter we will talk about two Zines we produced!
Manchester Museum’s Our Shared Cultural Heritage (OSCH) developed new models for engaging young people, particularly from the South Asian diaspora, with heritage, as creators, decision-makers, citizens and trainers. Museums and heritage organisations became better places for young people to explore identity and belonging, connect with others, and become active and vocal participants in organisational decision-making. OSCH has established opportunities - often paid - for young people to tackle cultural inequalities and showcase cultural heritage from diaspora perspectives. In this encounter we will talk about two Zines we produced!
Virtual Horizons: Empowering Agriculture through VR in Precision Grass Measurement
VistaMilk SFI Research Centre, hosted by Teagasc
We will be exploring the transformative role of Virtual Reality as an educational resource for training farmers in grass measuring. We'll kick off with an introduction to VR and its applications in education. Dive into the development process with insights from a farmer panel, led by our engaged researcher, focusing on project creation and feedback. Learn strategies for engaging farmers in this innovative project, delve into pedagogical approaches for VR, and discover methods for evaluation. Cap it off with a general discussion, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your educational approaches through immersive technology!
We will be exploring the transformative role of Virtual Reality as an educational resource for training farmers in grass measuring. We'll kick off with an introduction to VR and its applications in education. Dive into the development process with insights from a farmer panel, led by our engaged researcher, focusing on project creation and feedback. Learn strategies for engaging farmers in this innovative project, delve into pedagogical approaches for VR, and discover methods for evaluation. Cap it off with a general discussion, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your educational approaches through immersive technology!
Engaging with an international network of science communication researchers and practitioners – for the first time in the UK!
The Open University
Discover more about the International Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) Network and connect with a group of science communicators and researchers around the world. PCST aims to: improve the theoretical understanding of science communication by providing a forum to consider the latest developments; improve the practice of science communication by providing a forum to consider strategies and methods; promote an exchange between practitioners and researchers, to improve both the study and practice of science communication.
Discover more about the International Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) Network and connect with a group of science communicators and researchers around the world. PCST aims to: improve the theoretical understanding of science communication by providing a forum to consider the latest developments; improve the practice of science communication by providing a forum to consider strategies and methods; promote an exchange between practitioners and researchers, to improve both the study and practice of science communication.
A Dry Topic: Creative community engagement for drought resilience
Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships Centre for Water Cultures, University of Hull
An interactive encounter which uses historical experiences of water stress in the UK to reflect on how we can use water differently in the today. This encounter also explores how we can use creative methods of community engagement to build resilience to drought and water stress
An interactive encounter which uses historical experiences of water stress in the UK to reflect on how we can use water differently in the today. This encounter also explores how we can use creative methods of community engagement to build resilience to drought and water stress
The Being Human Challenge
School of Advanced Study, University of London
Take part in the Being Human Challenge! This session will showcase creative public engagement activities from Being Human Festival, the UK’s national festival of the humanities. Participants will explore what makes up a successful Being Human Festival activity through a card-game challenge, focusing on creative and inclusive engagement and working with cultural and community partners.
Take part in the Being Human Challenge! This session will showcase creative public engagement activities from Being Human Festival, the UK’s national festival of the humanities. Participants will explore what makes up a successful Being Human Festival activity through a card-game challenge, focusing on creative and inclusive engagement and working with cultural and community partners.
Participatory Research Fund: The value of peer-learning
University of Bristol and University of Exeter
Has your institution received Participatory Research Funding from Research England? Have you been wondering how other institutions have chosen to use this money? Now is your chance to find out! Colleagues at Bristol, Exeter, Bath, Plymouth, Imperial and Kings formed an informal network in 2023 to share ideas, challenges and learnings, in response to a recognition that they were working in isolation. Visit their stand to chat to some of them, find out what they’ve done, and share your own experiences via voting stations and feedback walls.
Has your institution received Participatory Research Funding from Research England? Have you been wondering how other institutions have chosen to use this money? Now is your chance to find out! Colleagues at Bristol, Exeter, Bath, Plymouth, Imperial and Kings formed an informal network in 2023 to share ideas, challenges and learnings, in response to a recognition that they were working in isolation. Visit their stand to chat to some of them, find out what they’ve done, and share your own experiences via voting stations and feedback walls.
The Story of Town Anywhere in Hull
Ideas Fund
How does a large-scale community participatory visioning experience link to the Ideas Fund; a fund which brokers equitable relational space between grassroots communities and researchers for knowledge exchange? Town Anywhere is an immersive workshop which brings the future to life through time travel, visioning, making and co-creating together in the year 2040 and then coming back home to 2024 to harvest the learning. This encounter session will give you a flavour of the experience, through opportunities to participate in short relational exercises, enable you to explore an exhibition of the workshop we did in Hull and hear about how this ambitious project weaves relationships and other initiatives together between grassroots communities, academia, local authorities and policy makers with the ambition to co-design city wide solutions which shift power and create systems change to create a flourishing, fair and sustainable future for all.
How does a large-scale community participatory visioning experience link to the Ideas Fund; a fund which brokers equitable relational space between grassroots communities and researchers for knowledge exchange? Town Anywhere is an immersive workshop which brings the future to life through time travel, visioning, making and co-creating together in the year 2040 and then coming back home to 2024 to harvest the learning. This encounter session will give you a flavour of the experience, through opportunities to participate in short relational exercises, enable you to explore an exhibition of the workshop we did in Hull and hear about how this ambitious project weaves relationships and other initiatives together between grassroots communities, academia, local authorities and policy makers with the ambition to co-design city wide solutions which shift power and create systems change to create a flourishing, fair and sustainable future for all.
Dancing Through Long Covid: An Innovative Tale of Public Engagement
University of Derby
Join us on a unique journey of empathy and understanding through 'Long Covid Diaries.' Experience the power of storytelling through dance, as we bring to life clinical data through the stories of Long Covid patients, inspiring awareness, and inclusivity. Engage with our innovative approach to public engagement and witness the transformative potential of the arts. Be prepared for a captivating and sensory experience that promises to ignite a call to action. Explore how creativity and collaboration can break down barriers, fostering change, and join the movement for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Join us on a unique journey of empathy and understanding through 'Long Covid Diaries.' Experience the power of storytelling through dance, as we bring to life clinical data through the stories of Long Covid patients, inspiring awareness, and inclusivity. Engage with our innovative approach to public engagement and witness the transformative potential of the arts. Be prepared for a captivating and sensory experience that promises to ignite a call to action. Explore how creativity and collaboration can break down barriers, fostering change, and join the movement for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Discovery Planet Pop Up!
Discovery Planet CIC
Pop in to our Pop Up to say Happy 10th Birthday to Discovery Planet, a community interest company dedicated to delivering STEM enrichment activities in the heart of the community. We will have some examples of our exciting activities for you to try and we can have a chat about our person centered, bottom up approach to public engagement. We're not shy and we wont tell a lie, so fire away to find out the best and the worst bits of the past 10 years trying to make it in the public engagement space.
Pop in to our Pop Up to say Happy 10th Birthday to Discovery Planet, a community interest company dedicated to delivering STEM enrichment activities in the heart of the community. We will have some examples of our exciting activities for you to try and we can have a chat about our person centered, bottom up approach to public engagement. We're not shy and we wont tell a lie, so fire away to find out the best and the worst bits of the past 10 years trying to make it in the public engagement space.
Engaging Publics, Policy Makers, and Researchers with Fundamental Research Through Public Dialogue Approaches
Babraham Institute
The Babraham Institute and Human Developmental Biology Initiative recently undertook a public dialogue on the public’s views around developmental biology research involving the use of human embryos through the UKRI Sciencewise programme. Here we not only share learnings from the project around the topic but also reflections on utilising public dialogue approaches to enable high-quality, two-way engagement with research. We will discuss successes, as well as challenges faced and how these were overcome to enable the public, researchers, ethicists, and policymakers to come together and engage in deliberative dialogue to have a true impact on research and policy direction.
The Babraham Institute and Human Developmental Biology Initiative recently undertook a public dialogue on the public’s views around developmental biology research involving the use of human embryos through the UKRI Sciencewise programme. Here we not only share learnings from the project around the topic but also reflections on utilising public dialogue approaches to enable high-quality, two-way engagement with research. We will discuss successes, as well as challenges faced and how these were overcome to enable the public, researchers, ethicists, and policymakers to come together and engage in deliberative dialogue to have a true impact on research and policy direction.
Building an inclusive learning environment with Universal Design
University College Dublin
In a world that thrives on diversity, our approach to community engagement must reflect a commitment to inclusivity. This poster presentation delves into the story of a community engaged volunteering module in University College Dublin that is devised and delivered through the lens of Universal Design. Delegates will see a visual outline of the practical steps that were taken to ensure that this community engaged module is accessible to all. Practical advice will also be shared with those seeking to implement minor adjustments to enhance the inclusivity of their own teaching and engagement practices.
In a world that thrives on diversity, our approach to community engagement must reflect a commitment to inclusivity. This poster presentation delves into the story of a community engaged volunteering module in University College Dublin that is devised and delivered through the lens of Universal Design. Delegates will see a visual outline of the practical steps that were taken to ensure that this community engaged module is accessible to all. Practical advice will also be shared with those seeking to implement minor adjustments to enhance the inclusivity of their own teaching and engagement practices.
Socially Engaged Art in Community-Engaged Learning
University College Dublin
This encounter, led by socially-engaged artist Evelyn Broderick, will showcase creative practices that deepen community engagement and benefit those involved in community/university partnerships. Evelyn will demonstrate her approach, emphasising collective skill sharing, conversation, and storytelling as a way of exploring complex community challenges and dynamics. Participants can join this skill-sharing drop-in session featuring finger knitting and discussions on the conference theme 'Practice firmly rooted in the 'real world''. This session mirrors Evelyn's socially-engaged model that is part of a community-engaged learning module in University College Dublin, integrating creative practices to inspire collective growth, understanding, and shared impact among student volunteers.
This encounter, led by socially-engaged artist Evelyn Broderick, will showcase creative practices that deepen community engagement and benefit those involved in community/university partnerships. Evelyn will demonstrate her approach, emphasising collective skill sharing, conversation, and storytelling as a way of exploring complex community challenges and dynamics. Participants can join this skill-sharing drop-in session featuring finger knitting and discussions on the conference theme 'Practice firmly rooted in the 'real world''. This session mirrors Evelyn's socially-engaged model that is part of a community-engaged learning module in University College Dublin, integrating creative practices to inspire collective growth, understanding, and shared impact among student volunteers.
BioInspire: Our journey towards equitable schools engagement
Babraham Institute
The schools engagement programme at Babraham Institute currently includes on-site youth conferences, in-school workshops, lab-based work experience placements and educational resources available online. This poster describes our journey as an organisation towards an accessible and inclusive public engagement programme for schools and young people. We outline the methodology and rationale for our targeted approach to schools outreach, as well as the ‘real world’ challenges we are working to address through our strategic focus and the development of key partnerships.
The schools engagement programme at Babraham Institute currently includes on-site youth conferences, in-school workshops, lab-based work experience placements and educational resources available online. This poster describes our journey as an organisation towards an accessible and inclusive public engagement programme for schools and young people. We outline the methodology and rationale for our targeted approach to schools outreach, as well as the ‘real world’ challenges we are working to address through our strategic focus and the development of key partnerships.
Engaging for a Better Future
Ulster University
This poster will showcase several events organised by Ulster University's Impact Team as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science (FoSS). These events were designed to be inclusive and accessible to all communities in Northern Ireland, a post-conflict society. It will demonstrate the creative ways in which researchers engaged and collaborated in an inclusive approach to reach all community members and will cover the diversity of the audiences reached.
This poster will showcase several events organised by Ulster University's Impact Team as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science (FoSS). These events were designed to be inclusive and accessible to all communities in Northern Ireland, a post-conflict society. It will demonstrate the creative ways in which researchers engaged and collaborated in an inclusive approach to reach all community members and will cover the diversity of the audiences reached.
What does ‘co-production’ look like for food system transformation? Mapping the evidence across Transforming UK Food Systems (TUKFS) projects.
University of Plymouth
Our visual poster will share insights from our recently delivered project, highlighting the real-world complexities and messiness of co-production within food systems research. It will generate discussion and debate about ‘good practice’ related to principles of power, inclusivity, relationship-building, and knowledge, with relevance to a range of sectors. Our poster will also share details of our novel processes, including interactive and creative ‘co-production oracle’ workshops, used to critically explore how co-production approaches are being employed to create shared positive change in the ways food is produced, accessed, and eaten, within the UKRI-funded Transforming UK Food Systems (TUKFS) programme.
Our visual poster will share insights from our recently delivered project, highlighting the real-world complexities and messiness of co-production within food systems research. It will generate discussion and debate about ‘good practice’ related to principles of power, inclusivity, relationship-building, and knowledge, with relevance to a range of sectors. Our poster will also share details of our novel processes, including interactive and creative ‘co-production oracle’ workshops, used to critically explore how co-production approaches are being employed to create shared positive change in the ways food is produced, accessed, and eaten, within the UKRI-funded Transforming UK Food Systems (TUKFS) programme.
Patterns or Perception in Parkinson's – Improving how we talk about Parkinson’s dementia
UCL
With a multi-disciplinary team, we co-produced a complementary pair of booklets about Parkinson’s dementia, designed for people living with Parkinson’s and healthcare professionals. The booklets were created to meet a key clinical need – people with Parkinson's and healthcare professionals find it difficult to talk about dementia, despite an increased risk within the Parkinson's community. We therefore had to tackle this issue sensitively, and worked to ensure that the booklets would be inclusive and accessible. Join us to see how we navigated these challenges, hear lessons learned, share your approaches, ask questions, and suggest improvements for future work.
With a multi-disciplinary team, we co-produced a complementary pair of booklets about Parkinson’s dementia, designed for people living with Parkinson’s and healthcare professionals. The booklets were created to meet a key clinical need – people with Parkinson's and healthcare professionals find it difficult to talk about dementia, despite an increased risk within the Parkinson's community. We therefore had to tackle this issue sensitively, and worked to ensure that the booklets would be inclusive and accessible. Join us to see how we navigated these challenges, hear lessons learned, share your approaches, ask questions, and suggest improvements for future work.
PLACES - Portraits and Landscapes of Academic Community Engaged Scholarship
Università di Sassari (Italy)
PLACES aims at filling important gaps in the evidence base on how in different higher education systems proactive science-society relationships take place at individual, institutional and systemic level, so to contribute to building effective co-operation between science and society. The poster aims at engaging Conference delegates in conversations about engaged scholarship examples.
PLACES aims at filling important gaps in the evidence base on how in different higher education systems proactive science-society relationships take place at individual, institutional and systemic level, so to contribute to building effective co-operation between science and society. The poster aims at engaging Conference delegates in conversations about engaged scholarship examples.
Better engaged research through radical inclusion: Challenging “business as usual” approaches to doctoral research
Nottingham Trent University
Making research and engagement with research more inclusive to people of broader backgrounds and experience can enrich the research itself and have bring benefits to participating individuals and communities, if only we had the opportunity side-step some of the same old ways of doing things. In this interactive panel session, academic and community partners from the Co(l)laboratory Research Hub programme will share their experiences of how radically inclusive approaches can reshape engaged research at doctoral level, and how thinking beyond the “business as usual” ways of academic are necessary to make such approaches work.
Making research and engagement with research more inclusive to people of broader backgrounds and experience can enrich the research itself and have bring benefits to participating individuals and communities, if only we had the opportunity side-step some of the same old ways of doing things. In this interactive panel session, academic and community partners from the Co(l)laboratory Research Hub programme will share their experiences of how radically inclusive approaches can reshape engaged research at doctoral level, and how thinking beyond the “business as usual” ways of academic are necessary to make such approaches work.
Help us build a more inclusive engagement ecosystem
NCCPE
The NCCPE, working with the engagement community, is committed to creating equitable, respectful, and productive environments for all public engagement professionals, researchers, university staff and
students, and the publics and communities we engage with. Come and meet members of our Inclusion Advisory Board and learn more about our work!
The NCCPE, working with the engagement community, is committed to creating equitable, respectful, and productive environments for all public engagement professionals, researchers, university staff and
students, and the publics and communities we engage with. Come and meet members of our Inclusion Advisory Board and learn more about our work!
12:30 - 13:30: Lunch
13:30 - 14:30 Working sessions
Choose from one of our 7 parallel working sessions to explore innovative engagement approaches.
Bridging Research and Practice: Harnessing Community Engagement for Social Impact – a hands on Workshop
London Metropolitan University
Room: SS Great Britain
Delving into the successful community engagement practices at London Metropolitan University, the London Met Lab: Empowering London and the Centre for Applied Research in Empowering Society (CARES), this workshop explores the intricacies of meaningful community engagement, securing academic involvement and navigating diverse stakeholders. We will work with you to identify challenges, provide practical strategies to address them effectively, including dedicated time allocations and community partnerships. Discover how our applied research leverages a range of methodologies to promote citizen empowerment across disciplines and how we aim to achieve systemic change through our innovative practices and designs while challenging the status quo.
Room: SS Great Britain
Delving into the successful community engagement practices at London Metropolitan University, the London Met Lab: Empowering London and the Centre for Applied Research in Empowering Society (CARES), this workshop explores the intricacies of meaningful community engagement, securing academic involvement and navigating diverse stakeholders. We will work with you to identify challenges, provide practical strategies to address them effectively, including dedicated time allocations and community partnerships. Discover how our applied research leverages a range of methodologies to promote citizen empowerment across disciplines and how we aim to achieve systemic change through our innovative practices and designs while challenging the status quo.
Bringing others along the journey; building the case for policy & public engagement in a modern research-intensive university
Northumbria University
Room: University
This interactive session will outline and reflect upon the recent journey of Northumbria University including expansion of research active staff, excellent REF Impact Case Study successes in 2021 and our recent work in developing a dedicated policy engagement and public and community engagement team. We will share techniques and approaches that we have used to help to build the incremental case for policy & public engagement in a modern research-intensive university.
Room: University
This interactive session will outline and reflect upon the recent journey of Northumbria University including expansion of research active staff, excellent REF Impact Case Study successes in 2021 and our recent work in developing a dedicated policy engagement and public and community engagement team. We will share techniques and approaches that we have used to help to build the incremental case for policy & public engagement in a modern research-intensive university.
Mentoring as a changemaker across the education sector: three case studies
Cardiff University
Room: Concorde
In this session, three mentoring projects based in and working across Wales, will showcase how mentoring is being used as a practice to tackle national policy challenges and as a fundamental way in which universities engage with the wider community at scale. Importantly, it will consider the role of the university as actively supporting the education pipeline through their civic mission. The session will also consider how the broad skills encompassed in such a project, across professional services and academic staff, has allowed the projects to generate both societal and research outcomes that have tangible impact for all.
Room: Concorde
In this session, three mentoring projects based in and working across Wales, will showcase how mentoring is being used as a practice to tackle national policy challenges and as a fundamental way in which universities engage with the wider community at scale. Importantly, it will consider the role of the university as actively supporting the education pipeline through their civic mission. The session will also consider how the broad skills encompassed in such a project, across professional services and academic staff, has allowed the projects to generate both societal and research outcomes that have tangible impact for all.
Unlocking the Power of Community Engaged Learning
University of York
Room: Old Vic
Community Engaged Learning is a powerful teaching tool that can offer transformative learning experiences for students and deliver meaningful outcomes for communities, delivering on universities’ commitment to civic engagement. Drawing on our experiences of delivering Community Engaged Learning for large student cohorts at the University of York, we will share our approach to shaping learning opportunities which promote mutual benefits for students and the community.
Using case studies, we will work through the full cycle of developing an engaged learning opportunity, from relationship development, navigating university systems (such as ethics and timetabling) and project design, through to scaling up opportunities.
Room: Old Vic
Community Engaged Learning is a powerful teaching tool that can offer transformative learning experiences for students and deliver meaningful outcomes for communities, delivering on universities’ commitment to civic engagement. Drawing on our experiences of delivering Community Engaged Learning for large student cohorts at the University of York, we will share our approach to shaping learning opportunities which promote mutual benefits for students and the community.
Using case studies, we will work through the full cycle of developing an engaged learning opportunity, from relationship development, navigating university systems (such as ethics and timetabling) and project design, through to scaling up opportunities.
Looking after ourselves and others
University of Bath - Public Engagement Unit
Room: Bristol Suite
Many of us working in Public Engagement roles will likely be doing relational work (e.g. people-facing responsibilities that involve some bridging, mediation, brokering, collaboration, or engagement). Working in this way requires a lot of time and capacity and raises issues around supporting the welfare and wellbeing of ourselves and those we work with.
Join this panel discussion, where we will share the findings of a study commissioned by the University of Bath. Hear about why relational work has these particular issues, find out about interventions you can use and make recommendations of what we should be doing next as a sector.
Room: Bristol Suite
Many of us working in Public Engagement roles will likely be doing relational work (e.g. people-facing responsibilities that involve some bridging, mediation, brokering, collaboration, or engagement). Working in this way requires a lot of time and capacity and raises issues around supporting the welfare and wellbeing of ourselves and those we work with.
Join this panel discussion, where we will share the findings of a study commissioned by the University of Bath. Hear about why relational work has these particular issues, find out about interventions you can use and make recommendations of what we should be doing next as a sector.
A Citizens Panel is for life, not just for Christmas!
The University of Manchester
Room: Wallace
Universities have a growing commitment to civic and community engagement but what role can citizen panels authentically play in this evolving knowledge exchange landscape? Using the case study of the Greater Manchester Citizens Panel, we will explore the challenges, opportunities, and learnings of working in partnership with a third party, multiple universities, and 50 citizens to play a leading role in helping to shape the five universities of Greater Manchester's priorities as part of our GM Civic University Agreement.
Room: Wallace
Universities have a growing commitment to civic and community engagement but what role can citizen panels authentically play in this evolving knowledge exchange landscape? Using the case study of the Greater Manchester Citizens Panel, we will explore the challenges, opportunities, and learnings of working in partnership with a third party, multiple universities, and 50 citizens to play a leading role in helping to shape the five universities of Greater Manchester's priorities as part of our GM Civic University Agreement.
Measuring the unexpected outcomes of a community-led approach
The Ideas Fund
Room: Empire
What are the wider impacts that can be seen when offering long term, flexible funding for community-led engagement with research and researchers? How do you measure them? In this session, The Ideas Fund team at The British Science Association will share a new impact framework and the Fund’s plans for further evidence building around this approach over the coming years. The University of Hull will share how this impact is being felt locally, and we will explore interest in ongoing, collective learning going forward. The Young Foundation will share their experiences of creating the conditions for increased community participation and its benefits and ripple effects, including sharing learning from their support of UKRI's Citizen Science Collaboration Grants.
Room: Empire
What are the wider impacts that can be seen when offering long term, flexible funding for community-led engagement with research and researchers? How do you measure them? In this session, The Ideas Fund team at The British Science Association will share a new impact framework and the Fund’s plans for further evidence building around this approach over the coming years. The University of Hull will share how this impact is being felt locally, and we will explore interest in ongoing, collective learning going forward. The Young Foundation will share their experiences of creating the conditions for increased community participation and its benefits and ripple effects, including sharing learning from their support of UKRI's Citizen Science Collaboration Grants.
14:30 - 15:00: Coffee break
15:00 - 16:15: Closing plenary - Reimagining futures
'In conversation' with Ima Jackson and Budd Hall – two leading scholars and activists both committed to systemic change.
Ima will reflect on what it means to become an anti-racist sector and our collective responsibility to act for change. Budd will be sharing learning from his career supporting engaged practice, within Canada and more recently on a global stage.
Session chair: Sophie Duncan
Ima will reflect on what it means to become an anti-racist sector and our collective responsibility to act for change. Budd will be sharing learning from his career supporting engaged practice, within Canada and more recently on a global stage.
Session chair: Sophie Duncan
