Public Engagement Opportunities

These pages are updated only occasionally. The best way to stay up to date with current opportunities is to join the Engagement mailing list.

There's a multitude of opportunities to do public engagement or involve the public in your research, working in partnership with organisations outside of academia:

  • Explorathon - An annual celebration of research from ALL disciplines, funded by the European Commission
  • Being Human - Festival of the humanities in November; funding/proposals deadline is usually in April
  • FameLab - Annual UK-wide science communication competition
  • Glasgow Science Festival - Annual festival in June accepting proposals from researchers from all disciplines (not just science!) as part of their Adult, All Ages and Schools programmes. The proposal deadline is usually December, with festival delivery in mid-June. For more information, visit the website. 
  • STEM Ambassador - For anyone with a STEM background: engage school children and teachers with your research through school visits. Visit the SSERC website for more information.
  • Glasgow Science Centre - Get involved with 'Curiosity Live', a celebration of research for families or adults through 'Science Lates'. All research disciplines welcome, not just science. There are also opportunities to collect data for your research. Contact public.engagement@gsc.org.uk for more information.
  • The Hunterian - Scotland’s oldest public Museum hosts public events like the 'Night at the Museum' with opportunities for researchers to get involved.
  • Café Scientifique – Monthly public talks on the first Monday of the month give researchers and public the chance to discuss and debate scientific issues. Find out more.
  • Glasgow Skeptics – Local organisation for promoting understanding, critical thinking and freedom of expression
  • Pint of Science - Festival in May bringing research to the pub
  • Bright Club Glasgow - Have a go at bringing your research to the stage through stand-up comedy
  • Festival of Social Science - ESRC-funded festival every November to engage the publiv with social science, get involved with the Glasgow event
  • Three Minute Thesis - For research students, present your research verbally in three minutes
  • Impact in 60 Seconds - For resarch students, present your research in a 60-second video
  • I'm a Scientist Get Me Out of Here! - Connect with school pupils via online Q&As through this fun project and competition, apply online. For scientists and psychologists.
  • University of Glasgow PGR Blog - For research students - hone your writing skills by writing a blog

Other places and partnerships to explore:

If there's a specific audience you'd like to reach, find out who's already working with them. 'Piggyback' on existing events and programmes. Be open to new or unusual partnerships and respond to the needs and interests of the community you're engaging.