Perspectives on Engagement from other Universities

 Perspectives on public engagement from other Beacon Universities:

Universities are very different places than they were even ten years ago, and their focus is much more outward-looking. The focus on dialogue, on exchange rather than simple knowledge transfer, which is the heart of true public engagement, is one of the greatest challenges for the modern university. It is also a significant opportunity for universities to reinvent themselves as a public good for the 21st century.

- Professor Michael Worton, Vice-provost, University College London

Engagement with our publics is vital to modern researchers - it informs us about society and its hopes and fears for the work we do, and challenges us to improve the quality and impact of our research. To articulate the reasons why we do research and be reminded of the expectations that society has for us is both directly refreshing and beneficial - and for many is a very enjoyable, stimulating and rewarding experience.

- Professor Guy Orpen, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research), University of Bristol

Engaging with the public makes you think more about what you are doing and its value. It means you don't just take the easy way. We have to study important questions. Public engagement gives you a sense of what is important. We need to be able to answer the questions does this really matter? Engaging with the public on this helps us avoid going down the wrong track.

- Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice Chancellor, University of Manchester