Useful links and information about public engagement
There are numerous opportunities to get involved in public engagement at the WCIP and as part of the wider community of researchers at the University of Glasgow. Staff are encouraged to take part in local events, become STEM Ambassadors, or get involved with digital engagement.
Training is available for a wide range of activities internally, including a basic introduction to public engagement, using social media to engage, and evaluating your activity. Externally-sourced training, such as media training, can be organised. Help and advice are also provided with planning public engagement activities as part of an academic grant application.
The College of MVLS has resources and funding for public engagement, and there are University-wide resources and training available. Public engagement activities should be evaluated and the University has produced a very useful guide to evaluating the impact of your activities.
Public Engagement Opportunities
- STEM Ambassadors Network - Science Connects
- Cafe Scientifique - Glasgow (first Monday of the month)
- Glasgow Skeptics (they are looking for new speakers)
- Meet the Expert events at Glasgow Science Centre
- Write a blog or make a video / podcast about an aspect of your work / life as a scientist
- Scottish Science Festivals
- Science Grrl (promotes STEM to girls and young women - there is an active Glasgow chapter)
- The GIST (Glasgow Insight into Science and Technology produced by students in Glasgow, podcasts and short films)
- Einstein's Garden at the Green Man Festival (August / South Wales)
External Resources
There are specialist organisations that promote public engagement and provide a range of information and online tools for developing and evaluating public engagement activities. Some of these are listed below.
The NCCPE - National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement works with the Research Councils in the UK and academic institutions to promote a culture of engagement, and engaged research.
Our core funders, Wellcome, also have advice and expertise that Centre researchers can tap into.
Vitae have written - The Engaging Researcher - A brief introduction to public engagement for researchers, which seeks to inspire and equip more people to engage non-specialist audiences with their work.
The charity Sense About Science organises media workshops for early career researchers. One is held in Glasgow annually.
Training opportunities and events relevant to public engagement will be listed on our Upcomic Events page and via social media. If you would like to discuss public engagement opportunities, training, or propose a new activity, please see , the Centre's public engagement manager.