RCUK Public Engagement

Research Councils UK (RCUK) believe that engaging the public with research helps empower people, broadens attitudes and ensures that the work of universities and research institutes is relevant to society and wider social concerns.

RCUK is working with other funders of research to create a culture where public engagement is regarded as an important and essential activity by the research community. By establishing an ongoing dialogue between the research community and the public, society can benefit more fully from the outputs of research.

In this section you will find information about:

• Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research which outlines the expectations and responsibilities of research funders with respect to public engagement.
• Schools and Young People which includes details of RCUK public engagement initiatives and publications for researchers, schools and teachers.
• Public Engagement Resources for Researchers offers useful guidance and details of schemes from across the Research Councils.
• Best Practice Guidelines and Publications to help researchers get the most out of public engagement activities.
• Public Attitudes to Science is a series of surveys that aims to understand the general public’s attitudes to science.