University of Aberdeen

Why we've signed the Manifesto

The founding principle of the University of Aberdeen is to be ‘open to all in the service of others’. Engagement with others and the wider world is at the very heart of what we do. Our research is vital in its contribution to helping solve many of the problems facing humanity today and engagement remains one of the key tools that our researchers use to reach beyond academia. We are proud to be signatories to the NCCPE’s Manifesto for Public Engagement. 

Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen

Our approach to public engagement

Public engagement has been mainstay of activity at the University of Aberdeen for over two decades. Our approach has a dual focus. We work with academics on an individual basis – to ensure that we create opportunities that reach the right audiences and will get the best results for their research. Partnership working is also key: we consistently work with local, regional and national organisations and groups who provide opportunities, access to networks and help researchers communicate about their work in new and novel ways. 

Our public engagement hallmark

Our achievements in the field of public engagement are many, but we are very proud to have managed Explorathon for more than 10 years. Explorathon is celebrates the incredible diversity of research happening across the country and showcases how it impacts our daily lives. Over the years we have developed an evolving suite of Scotland wide training for academics and engagement opportunities for the public. This is an annual event that both academics and the public look forward to, with a well-established and clear brand: ‘Making Research Real’. Over our decade of delivery of this flagship engagement programme we have worked with a variety of communities, both urban and rural, lowland, island-based and highland. 

Our public engagement talking point

There are two issues that our Public Engagement with Research Unit (PERU)  think are imperative. First: how do we truly embed principles of equity, diversity and inclusion in what we do? It is essential for public engagement work to get this right but is also something that should touch upon every single aspect of our what we do, where we do it and how we do it. For engagement to be truly inclusive, to be mindful of our words and actions and create equitable opportunities really requires root and branch reform of nearly everything – this is a monumental task. 

Second: how do we deal with really divisive issues? Academic research touches upon many controversial issues – and public discourse is increasingly polarised. So how do we deal with the these issues? Animal research is one such topic. Is it something that we should talk about? It inspires truly passionate responses from people – but being open about what happens, engaging people with who is involved and the principles that guide modern academic animal research – governed by carefully thought-out legislation and licensing – might be helpful? Or would it?

Our public engagement people

Public engagement with research is widely embedded at the University of Aberdeen and its undertaken by many individuals and teams across our Schools and it’s difficult to single one person or team out as exemplary. However, Professor Alex Johnstone is based at the world famous Rowett Institute of Health and Nutrition in the University of Aberdeen. Alex’s contribution to public engagement, over years of research activity, has been astounding. Alex has a high media profile and her expert opinion is regularly sought by policy makers. Yet Alex remains accessible and committed to engaging with local and relevant audiences at every opportunity. Her engagement career has included many high points, such as being involved in developing Marks and Spencer Fuller for Longer range. Alex also leads on grants that tackle issues such as environmentally sustainable and healthier foods as well as retail strategy addressing dietary inequalities in vulnerable groups - such as those in food insecurity. While undertaking this world class research Alex has consistently embedded public engagement in her work, setting time and resources to engage with the relevant communities and seldom heard groups (as well as thousands of school children over the years) in order to have real commercial and community benefit from her research.