Public Engagement at Plymouth

The University of Plymouth is committed to engaging the public, academics, students, and stakeholders with research
FUTURES2022 fossil walk event

Our research is inclusive, impactful and enriches the lives of those who are involved in it

The University of Plymouth is committed to engaging the public with its research. Our researchers work with a diverse range of communities and publics from in and around the city of Plymouth to communities right across the globe.
We understand the benefits of engaging people throughout the research process, from understanding what matters most to people and prioritising research areas, co-creating research and sharing research findings to those who directly benefit from them.
The public engagement team work across the University to provide advice and support, training and funding for engaged activities. 
What is Public Engagement?
"The National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement defines public engagement as "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."
Essentially public engagement with research can be any research activity which involves learning from conversations, sharing knowledge, collaborating on projects and research activity with the public.

Our strategy 

To support our academic community and the public we engage with, the University of Plymouth has developed a public engagement strategy. This strategy was co-created with our University community, public and communities beyond the University. . 
Read our full strategy

Discover more about Public Engagement at Plymouth

Find out what our team can offer

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Training and events
Details of our upcoming training and events.

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Awards and funding
We support researchers with funding opportunities to try out new public engagement methods and approaches within their research proposals.

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Case studies
Discover some of the ways our researchers have worked to engage with the public.

The Public Engagement Network (PEN) 

PEN is an internal network for academic and professional service staff that aims to create a platform for sharing ideas, receiving support from peers, and making our work more visible.  
  • Join a community of staff passionate about engaging communities and the public with research.
  • Hear what’s happening across the University and share your own experiences.
  • Keep up to date on the latest public engagement news and funding opportunities.
Sign up to the network and you will be invited to meetings as well as receiving a newsletter. 
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Highlights

Futures2021 festival of discovery.Held as part of European Researchers Night, a range of events featuring academics from the University of Plymouth.Seas the Day (National Marine Aquarium) – world-leading experts from University of Plymouth’s Marine Institute will explore one of the global challenges facing our planet – how to protect our seas – through a range of talks and family activities. Launch of Explore Awards
 The Explore Awards aim to assist researchers, with priority for Early Career Researchers, in a range of ways to support their public engagement with research.

2022 Get Involved Awards Launch of Get Involved Awards
 Do you have a local issue that needs researching? Have you got a problem in your community that you want to resolve, or an idea to help the city? You can get involved in community research with us!

Festival of Social Science illustration ESRC Festival of Social Science
 The ESRC Festival of Social Science offers a fascinating insight into some of the country's leading social science research and how it influences our social, economic and political lives – both now and in the future.

FUTURES

FUTURES is a festival of discovery; exploring the past, creating the present and imagining the future. Funded by UK Research and Innovation, FUTURES brings research to life by giving you the opportunity to get creative, ask questions and try new things.

Future Neighbourhoods Showcase

Led by Professor Katharine Willis and Nudge Community Builders, the event provided insights into creating inclusive spaces for all citizens, with a focus on building strong, sustainable neighbourhoods. The hands-on workshop showcased technology as a catalyst for positive change, emphasising its transformative role in community building. We hope you enjoy the video which gives a glimpse into the inspiring ideas and community-driven efforts that define the path toward a brighter, more sustainable neighbourhood!

Meet the team

Useful Public Engagement guidance 
Whilst our PE team are on hand to support you, the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement has a host of useful guidelines for researchers and public engagement professionals. Below are some links that you may find particularly useful: 
Guidance
Tools
High quality engagement template – use this template to think through your own engagement project.
News and insights
The NCCPE blog is up to date with the latest insights in PE practice and policy.