What is Public Engagement?
As public engagement is a developing field, there are several different definitions.
The Public Engagement Unit supports UCL staff and students involved in activities like:
- Telling public groups about our work (PDF)
- Supporting communities with our expertise (PDF)
- Nurturing a society in which the next generation want to take part in research, teaching and learning (PDF)
- Creating opportunities for people outside the University to contribute their research and knowledge to our programmes (PDF)
- Taking part in dialogue about the direction of our research and teaching (PDF)
- Creating knowledge in collaboration with communities and interest groups outside the University (PDF)
We also use the definition of public engagement developed by the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement.
''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.''
And a definition of 'public' developed from that provided by HEFCE:
''The 'public' includes individuals and groups who do not currently have a formal relationship with an higher education institution (HEI) through teaching, research or knowledge transfer.''
- Engaging members of the public in research and teaching: purpose, examples and practice at UCL (PDF) - This document provides practical examples of public engagement linked to research and teaching.
Page last modified on 25 jun 14 16:47