Public engagement: what, why and how?

Public engagement (PE) is an important foundation in scientific research, but what constitutes PE? The last section of a research proposal application and Twitter polls gauging public opinion are just a couple that comes into mind. 

Pretty much everyone in research has come across this term but their involvement in PE varies widely. Whilst many researchers have embraced a culture of science outreach and public involvement, there is still a sizeable amount of disinterest and an overbearing view that PE is irrelevant to their research. A survey by the Pew Research Group and the American Association for the Advancement of Science found that the “majority of scientists believe that the public is interested in their specialty area”, but they also believe that “the promotion of one’s scientific findings to the public via the news or social media is irrelevant to their own career advancement” (Pham, 2016). We, scientists, believe our research is of interest to the public but are hesitant to step into PE. The Student Blog group wanted to understand why this might be so. 

We started by asking our department’s Communications and Public Engagement Officer, Sophia Wilkinson, what is public engagement and who is it for?

'The million-dollar question. Depending on who you ask, you're almost certain to get different answers! I think of it as an opportunity for researchers and members of the public to have a conversation about their research to make sure it's relevant, of value to society and brings positive change.

'It's a chance for the public to understand what researchers and scientists actually do and the benefits their work can bring. It's a chance for scientists to inform, collaborate and listen to the public. It's a chance to inspire the next generation.

'And the best part is that this conversation can happen in whatever creative way you want it to happen. It could be through art, through games, through films or through stage plays. But it could just be by asking the public and patients to provide advice and opinions through surveys or over email. I would encourage anyone, whatever stage of their career they are at, to try out public engagement. If facilitating face to face activities isn't for you, well maybe a podcast or a blog is.'

Why is PE important for research? 

'I think there are a few really key reasons. Research is generally funded by the public so researchers owe it to the public to make sure their money is well-spent, that they're focusing on solving society's problems and making lives better. PE can help the results of research make a difference. PE can also help research to be done better. For example, PE can make it easier to attract people to take part in clinical trials.'

We also asked the PE doers (those who are actively involved in PE) about their thoughts and experiences. It seems that this conversation not only inspired their audience but themselves also. 

'My favourite PE experience was actually out in a village in rural Laos and it changed my career from journalism to community engagement and development. It was an inter-village quiz to engage people around their health. Each team mugged up on various basic health and hygiene facts and were then quizzed, with dancing and singing between each round. The quiz was hosted by a local radio personality, recorded and broadcast.  It was just such a joyous, happy day that may also have saved lives.' (Sophia Wilkinson) 

'When running our data games activity in Freeland Primary School, it was seeing the fun they had, witnessing how their ideas on the power of data developed through little more than play and being told by a seven year old, 'I want to be a scientist like you.’' (Heather, Vascular Overviews Group)

PE was also an opportunity for the researchers to improve upon skills as well as an outlet for an existing one, proving to be a means to grow personally and professionally.

'Being involved in PE has given me more confidence in talking about my research to a lay audience, and has also encouraged me to think creatively to develop activities to explain a scientific concept in a way that people can relate to.' (Sarah, Wolfson Laboratories)

'It's another dimension to my work. I am a trained maths teacher and also like performing and making things, so it's a natural fit for some PE and a welcome opportunity to use these skills.' (Julie, Prospective Studies – Cuba) 

'PE has encouraged me to think carefully about scientific ideas, and why things are interesting or important. It has also helped me to improve my communication skills.' (Iona, China Kadoorie Biobank Group)

Finally, we asked each of our interviewees, what could be done to encourage more researchers to get involved in PE? First and foremost... 

'Tell them how much fun it is, because it really is!' (Heather, Vascular Overviews Group)  

If you’re just about to start out, some excellent and practical advice on stepping into PE by our own expert, Sophia. 

'By demonstrating the benefits. I would recommend starting small and easy. That might mean helping to deliver an activity that colleagues have already tried and tested. Or taking advantage of some of the less intimidating opportunities that crop up, such as school careers fairs. There are also lots of online opportunities around at the moment, such as informal, livestreamed conversations about research.

'The departmental newsletter always lists the opportunities. Or just come to me, tell me what your research is about and we can brainstorm!  It really doesn't matter what stage of your career you're at. And I'm always happy to provide any training and/or support you think you need.' (Sophia Wilkinson)   

Our PE doers thought more could be done by the organisers of PE. 

'Match the researcher to the type of event. Maybe canvass skills, experience and preferences and also availability days/times.' (Julie, Prospective Studies – Cuba) 

'I think researchers would be more inclined to get involved with PE if they were reassured that it is recognised and rewarded by the department and by funders. I think researchers can be reluctant to sacrifice time that could be spent writing up a paper or a grant application, which they feel is more likely to advance their career than doing PE. It may also help to explain that PE can be done using a range of approaches, and does not have to involve talking to a class of children!"'(Sarah, Wolfson Laboratories)

And the replies from our crowdsourcing tweet echoed this idea. Firstly, researchers should be supported and recognised for PE.

Whilst PE is important, it should not be a requirement. One size does not fit all

Going further up into the research pipeline... 

Public engagement is a conversation we engage with the public to showcase our findings and receive their feedback. It is a two-way conversation that provides a platform to inspire our audience and improve our science. The benefits to the individual researcher are also clear - cultivation of new skills and professional growth. It seems that more could be done by scientific institutions and host organisations to design an environment in which PE is considered more prominently in research and scientists are valued and recognised for their dedication to PE, which in turn will encourage more researchers to partake this essential conversation.

HUGE thanks to our interviewees (Sophia, Iona, Heather, Julie and Sarah) and our contributors on Twitter (@emmabridges, @Pete_Scarbs, @diegojehu, and @DaniKim_02) for making this blog post possible. 

References 

• www.ox.ac.uk/research/public-engagement
• www.publicengagement.ac.uk/
• wellcome.ac.uk/what-we-do/our-work/public-engagement
• Pham, D. Public engagement is key for the future of science research. npj Science Learn 1, 16010 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/npjscilearn.2016.10