Funders' perspectives on Public Engagement and Impact
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is committed to fostering public engagement, recognising its value for research and society.
- David Willets, Universities and Science Minister
Public engagement enhances research so that it contributes positively to society and results in greater relevance, accountability and transparency. Such engagement helps empower people, broadens attitudes and ensures that the work of universities and research institutes is relevant to society and wider social concerns.
- Professor Alan Thorpe, Chair of Research Councils UK (RCUK)
RCUK is committed to supporting and rewarding researchers to engage with the public, and achieve a culture change so that public engagement is embedded alongside research and valued as an important activity.
RCUK Vision for Public Engagement >> find out more
Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research
The new Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research provides a single statement of expectations and responsibilities of research funders in the UK.
It has four principles that signatories (including UK Research Councils, HEFCE, SFC, The Royal Society, The Royal Academy of Engingeering, The British Academy, Defra among others) agree to adhere to:
- UK research organisations have a strategic commitment to public engagement.
- Researchers are recognised and valued for their involvement with public engagement activities.
- Researchers are enabled to participate in public engagement activities through appropriate training, support and opportunities.
- The signatories and supporters will undertake regular reviews of their and the wider research sector’s progress in fostering public engagement across the UK.
Public engagement can increase the impact of your research
RCUK has a Statement of Expectation for Societal and Economic Impact and four of these aims that are specific to public engagement as listed below.
- demonstrate an awareness of the wider environment and context in which their research takes place
- demonstrate an awareness of the social and ethical implications of their research, beyond usual research conduct considerations, and take account of public attitudes towards those issues
- engage actively with the public at both the local and national levels about their research and its broader implications
- publish results widely – considering the academics, user and public audiences for research outcomes
RCUK is committed to supporting and rewarding researchers to engage with the public, and achieve a culture change so that public engagement is embedded alongside research and valued as an important activity.
What do RCUK mean by impact? >> find out more
Beacons Guide to Public Engagement and Impact Statements >> find out more
