There are many ways that people can be involved in the design, conduct and outcomes of research - and this benefits researchers and the public alike. Here you can find out how to engage people with your research, learn about some of the opportunities available and find inspiration, resources and information to help you design your own activities.
what is public engagement?
We engage with audiences in a variety of ways, using our research to change and transform society at the local, national and global levels. Engagement is a learning process for everyone involved and can include public events and festivals, innovative social media engagement, citizen science and crowd-sourcing, participatory action research, consultation, co-design and production, debate, dialogue and discussion.
existing opportunities
Researchers from the University regularly contribute to national, regional and local events like these listed here. If you have an idea for an activity suitable for one of the following events, please contact the Research Communications team as soon as possible; planning and funding calls for such events can begin up to a year in advance.
Flood forecasting makes a splash at exhibition
Scientists from the University of Reading attended the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition to talk about hydrology and climate science through an interactive exhibit on the latest flooding research.
Something different?
If your engagement activity doesn’t fit with one of the existing opportunities, please contact our Public Engagement with Research Officer who can advise you (email research@reading.ac.uk).
find out more
As a University we know we can achieve extraordinary things by interacting and collaborating with people outside of academia. Effective engagement works for everyone. We want to stimulate ongoing public interest in, and understanding of, our research and bring about positive change through this engagement.
Some examples of engaging research from the University of Reading: