outreach - public engagement | University of Strathclyde

What is Public Engagement?

Public engagement is defined as

"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

At the heart of our mission to deliver impactful and meaningful research is sharing our science with the local community as well as wider audiences. Some of the public engagement initiatives we are involved in include;

Women in Science in Scotland Exhibition @ RSE
Academy of Medical Sciences #MedSciLife campaign
Medical Research Scotland Meet the Researcher
STEMfest
Curiosity Live at Glasgow Science Centre
Soapbox Science
The Departure Lounge
SIPBS Science Rocks (twitter: @SipbsSciRocks, facebook @SipbsScienceRocks)
Glasgow Science Festival – My Favourite Guinea Pig

If you are interested in us visiting your school, please contact Margaret Cunningham (Biomedical sciences, Margaret.Cunningham@strath.ac.uk) and Zahra Rattray (Pharmacy, Zahra.rattray@strath.ac.uk), SIPBS directors of outreach for further information.

As a pharmacist, public engagement is integral to my role, which involves presenting research findings in an engaging and accessibly way or attending ‘Meet-the-Researcher’ events. Engaging with the public about our research at SIPBS allows us to explore the crucial question ‘What matters to you?’, which helps to ensure we are conducting socially-relevant research.

Natalie Weir, Postdoctoral Researcher

I believe it's our job as scientists to demystify what happens in our labs. I love trying to help people, especially children, who wouldn’t normally have easy access to digestible scientific material, to understand what I do in the field of antibiotic resistance, the fight against superbugs and why it's important. Recently I was cornered by a boy who kept asking "but why? but how?" (repeat many times). I suggested he Google it for more information. His answer was "but you explain it in a way that I understand". And that's why I love doing public engagement.

Kirsty Robb, Research Associate

I’m a final year PhD student and regularly engage with primary schools through Outreach @ SIPBS. I have been involved in resource development for running diabetes workshops at primary schools for their Health and Wellbeing weeks. As a type I diabetic, this is an area I have confidence in delivering. It’s great to see the children learn more about a condition I have lived with for most of my life.

Calum McMullen, PhD Student