A new Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research was launched this week on 7 December by the UK’s research funding bodies which outlines the responsibilities of research funders to help embed public engagement in universities and research institutes to enhance the future of research and benefit the UK society and economy.
” The aim of the Concordat is to create a greater focus on and help embed public engagement with research across all disciplines in the higher education and research sectors.David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science said: “Engaging people with science and engineering has never been more important. In an increasingly technological world, everyone needs to understand the benefits and potential concerns around new developments which may affect us all. Science engagement can help the public become part of a national conversation on some of the big issues like climate change and renewable energy, ensuring that researchers and policy makers understand the impact of leading research.”
“There is already lots going on, but now more than ever we need to maximise the effectiveness of science engagement by increasing its reach and impact. I welcome this Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research and its aims to strengthen public engagement across the research and HE sector. I would like to thank all the signatories and supporters who will be implementing and reviewing the Concordat for their commitment to public engagement, which will enhance the future of research and benefit the UK society and economy.”
By setting out clear expectations for research organisations, researcher managers and researchers the Concordat aims to strengthen existing good practice in public engagement by ensuring it is valued, recognised and supported.
The Concordat consists of a set of key principles for the future support of public engagement. These key principles are:
- UK research organisations have a strategic commitment to public engagement
- Researchers are recognised and valued for their involvement with public engagement activities
- Researchers are enabled to participate in public engagement activities through appropriate training, support and opportunities
- The signatories and supporters of this Concordat will undertake regular reviews of their and the wider research sector’s progress in fostering public engagement across the UK
The launch of the Concordat was accompanied by the release of a new short film produced by RCUK which explores the benefits of public engagement with research, and features interviews with leading figures from the academic and research communities.
A copy of the Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research can be found on the RCUK website.