Public engagement
Our researchers engage non-academic audiences in their work in a variety of ways. We take part in local events, such as IF Oxford Science and Ideas Festival, Oxford Maths Festival and Oxford Open Doors. We work with the creative arts and visit schools and colleges to inspire the next generation. We also have an online engagement platform Explore Science!
Our aim is to engage and inform people to help build understanding about what population health research is and why research matters. We also consult, listen and collaborate with the public on specific projects. This might be because the research is sensitive or raises ethical issues. But it also helps to make our research better and more relevant.
If you are interested in public engagement activities, or involving the public in research, please email Hannah Freeman. The Medical Sciences Division researchers' toolkit includes a range of public engagement resources, including available training.
WHAT IS 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.'
National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement
public advisory panel
Our Public Advisory Panel provides advice and guidance to our researchers: from research design and proposal writing, to exploring ways in which research findings may be used to improve health.