Some partners can assist in generating ideas or creating content, while others contribute to designing your engagement activity. Some share valuable skills and knowledge, ensuring the success of your project, and others may invest resources. Partnerships also help build connections with diverse audiences.
Relevant collaborators are all around—colleagues in your department, those in other areas of the Faculty (like widening participation, outreach, engagement, or volunteering teams), community organisations, schools, museums, libraries, science centres, local councils, and arts venues. There are plenty of people who might want to work with you. Before diving in, it's crucial to reflect on why you want to collaborate - and what value your partners may find in working with you.
The NCCPE provides some great guidance on:
- The formation of a partnership
- How to manage the relationship as it develops
- What to consider when looking to the future of the partnership.
How to find a partner
Networking:
- Attend relevant conferences, workshops, and events where professionals from different organisations gather. This will give you the opportunity to meet potential partners
- We host a Public Engagement Showcase annually for the Faculty, but it is open to all in the University. This is a great opportunity to network and hear about best practice
- Join professional organisations related to your field. These groups often have networks that can connect you with external partners.
Industry and community outreach:
- Reach out to industry associations, non-profits, and community groups that align with the focus of your research. Many organisations are interested in collaborating on projects that have a societal impact. Yell.com is a great way to find local voluntary organisations.
Online platforms:
- Explore online platforms and databases that connect researchers with potential collaborators. Websites like ResearchGate and LinkedIn can be useful for finding individuals and organisations with shared interests.
Government agencies and funding bodies:
- Investigate government agencies and funding bodies that support public engagement initiatives. They may have existing programs or partnerships that align with your research goals. For example, the UKRI, The Wellcome Trust, NIHR, and The Royal Society. For the more physical sciences, there are the STFC and EPSRC. Depending on the nature of your research, local government bodies and councils may have funds or programs dedicated to community engagement and public outreach. Some community foundations offer grants for projects that benefit local communities; while not strictly government-funded, these organizations can be valuable partners for community-focused public engagement initiatives.
Local businesses and schools:
- Consider collaborating with local businesses, schools, or museums. They may be interested in partnering for educational or community outreach activities. Here at the University, we have a Widening Participation (WP) team, that can put you in contact with local disadvantaged schools
- Continuing education - We have also partnered with National Museums Liverpool since 2015 to run Meet the Scientists.
Media and communication channels:
- Utilize media and communication channels to broadcast your research interests. This could include writing articles, blog posts, or press releases. Sometimes, external organizations may reach out to you based on your work.
Alumni networks:
- Leverage your university's alumni network. Alumni may work in diverse sectors and could provide valuable connections for collaboration.
Research funding calls:
- Keep an eye on research funding calls, as some funding bodies may encourage or require collaboration with external partners. This can be an excellent way to find organizations interested in public engagement.
Public engagement networks:
- Look for existing networks or initiatives dedicated to public engagement. These networks often have established connections with external organizations and can help facilitate collaborations
- The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE): NCCPE can be a resource for finding funding, but it's also a network that connects researchers with public engagement opportunities and best practices
- The British Science Association (BSA): BSA runs various programs and events to engage the public with science. They offer opportunities for researchers to get involved in science communication and outreach activities
- The European Citizen Science Association (ECSA): ECSA promotes citizen science across Europe. It's a network that connects researchers, practitioners, and organizations involved in citizen science projects
- The Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) Network: PCST is an international network that brings together individuals interested in the communication of science and technology. It includes researchers, communicators, and policymakers
- The STEM Ambassador Program: This program connects individuals working in STEM fields with schools and communities. It's a great opportunity for researchers to engage with students and the public
- The European Science Engagement Association (EUSEA): EUSEA is an association that brings together science engagement professionals. It provides a platform for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices
- The Public Engagement Interest Group of the Royal Society of Biology: If your research falls within the field of biology, this interest group provides a forum for biologists interested in public engagement. It offers networking opportunities and resources for engaging with diverse audiences. They also run Biology Week, and will welcome scientists to put an event on for it.
Researcher and artist collaborations
Discover how researchers and artists collaborate to engage the public with research in this concise 2022 guide written with expert input from the University of Leicester, NCCPE, and experts. Explore benefits, facilitation, and the impact on art, science, and research understanding.
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