Why engage?

Find out about the importance of Public Engagement in research.

What is Public Engagement?

Public Engagement activities bring researchers and the public together for mutual benefit. Definitions vary between different institutions, but the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) definition is useful:

Public engagement describes the myriad of ways in which the activity and benefits of higher education and research can be shared with the public. Engagement is by definition a two-way process, involving interaction and listening, with the goal of generating mutual benefit.

NCCPE

There are a broad range of methods and levels of impact, which vary depending on the audience and the motivation for engaging with them. Methods range from activities such as science festivals, exhibitions and public events; to focussed support of school pupils and teachers with curriculum delivery; through to public consultation and public involvement in research. 

Find out more about the field of Public Engagement via the NCCPE website.

NCCPE

Access University guidance on Public Engagement.

University guidance

Photo of 2 school pupils using pipettes in a lab

Benefits of participating

Participation of School researchers and staff (from PhD students to PIs) is vital to our Public Engagement activities and brings mutual benefits for both you and your audience. Participation can enable you to:

  • Gain valuable transferable skills and experience
  • Appreciate the bigger picture around your research and sharpen your purpose
  • Raise awareness of and discuss your research and its applications
  • Hear different opinions and attitudes and challenge misconceptions
  • Gain an enjoyable and rewarding experience 
  • Contribute to and benefit from improved research culture
  • Be an inspiring science role model for young people
  • Be a good neighbour and support local communities
  • Satisfy research funder requirements to participate 
  • Support demonstration of research impact
  • Help deliver University strategies

Benefits for audiences

From an audience perspective, Public Engagement can:

  • Connect people with researchers and the University
  • Aid an understanding of the importance of science and research
  • Stimulate discourse around research, and enable people to form opinions and make informed choices
  • Support local communities
  • Support school pupils and teachers with curriculum delivery
  • Raise scientific aspirations 
  • Break down barriers and foster mutual trust

How do I take part?

Find out how to get involved with School Public Engagement activities and events and find answers to frequently asked questions.

Our vision not only highlights our aims in meeting the needs of audiences, but equally, the importance of participation by students, researchers and other staff.

Our School Strategy is below.


As a university, engaging enables us to be responsible neighbours and use our benefits and expertise to support and inspire local communities and schools. The importance of engagement is highlighted in the University Strategy and University Community Plan.

University Strategy

University Community Plan

Central University support and guidance on Public Engagement is provided by Edinburgh research Office (ERO).

ERO guidance

The University is also a signatory of the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) Manifesto for Public Engagement which invites institutions to make public their commitment to Public Engagement.

NCCPE Manifesto for Public Engagement


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