Research communication
Research is directly linked to social welfare, the economy and global sustainability. The impact is such that communicating research activities and results to the public must be helped and encouraged.The University of Glasgow has a strong tradition of engaging with the local community, policy makers and the wider public. Research Staff are encouraged to become involved in local or national public engagement initiatives and can also access training to support this.
What is public engagement?
The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement provides the following definition of public engagement:
Public engagement describes the many ways in which higher education institutions and their staff and students can connect and share their work with the public. Done well, it generates mutual benefit, with all parties learning from each other through sharing knowledge, expertise and skills. In the process, it can build trust, understanding and collaboration, and increase the sector's relevance to, and impact on, civil society.
How can I get involved in public engagement at Glasgow?
Glasgow Science Festival - www.glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk/events/sciencefestival/getinvolved/
Sign up to be a STEM ambassador (Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths researchers):
Café Scientifique - www.cafescientifique.org/glasgow.htm
Volunteer at the Hunterian Museum or Art Gallery - www.hunterian.gla.ac.uk/contact/
Or the Glasgow Science Centre - www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/volunteering.aspx
The annual research staff conference has a workshop stream focused on public engagement each year and presentations are available on the web. (Links)
The GIST – student-led popular science blog:
Interdisciplinary Centre for Research and Teaching in STEM Education:
What training is available?
Public engagement resources, toolkits and funding
As a staff member, you will receive the Research and Funding news email bulletin, which will provide you with information on upcoming funding or training opportunities.
Vitae have produced a booklet to help researchers get started in public engagement:
The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement have also produced a toolkit:
Case studies of Glasgow Researchers and public engagement
Glasgow University astrophysicist Dr Martin Hendry has been awarded a prestigious "Science in Society" Fellowship from the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Read news story
Royal Society event showcases Glasgow's expertise in stem cells:
Research scientists from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology stage a "Meet the Expert" event at Glasgow Science Centre:
Giant parasites at Glasgow’s West End Festival:
Interested in communicating your research and public engagement?
The Research Councils offer a number of opportunties to communicate your research, as well as some excellent training courses.
Science and Engineering Ambassadors work with local schools on a voluntary basis, providing support and encouragement as well as role models for young people and children in science, technology, engineering and maths areas.
Sense about Science will be running a one day science communication workshop in Edinburgh on 21st November. More details will be available soon.
BA Media Fellowships are intended to create a greater awareness and understanding of the workings of the media among practising scientists.
Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) Fellowships allow PhD researchers to spend three months working at POST through an extension of their maintenance grants.
Research Map
The University of Glasgow has over 2000 researchers. It is a big place and often difficult to find the expertise you are looking for.
Our online Research Map gives you access to a fully searchable database helping you find research projects and researchers working in the area which is of interest to you.
Anyone who is research active can be included in the Research Map and all that is required is for the researcher to provide the information we need using the Contact Us "I am a Researcher and I want to add information about a Researcher" link on the Research Map website or by e-mail.
Research News
News and updates with funding opportunities for University staff:
Enlighten
Enlighten is the University of Glasgow's institutional repository service and includes published material by members of the University of Glasgow, including peer-reviewed journal articles, published conference papers, books and book chapters:
Dialogues
Established in November 2002, Dialogues offers a range of services which can be tailored to meet individual business needs, helping them to grow and prosper and therefore promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
Dialogues can help you access:
- Research expertise
- Facilities, equipment & incubation
- Student placements
- Professional training
- Funding
- Networking
Dialogues provides a single point of contact enabling SMEs to access technology, knowledge and equipment which can make them more innovative - crucial if Scottish businesses are to remain competitive in a fast-paced and challenging global economy.
