New film shows impact of public engagement with research

Research Councils UK (RCUK) have today (25 May) released a new film that shows how engaging with the public is important for research. Activities such as the debate featured in this film allow researchers to share the outcomes their work with a wider audience and can help inform the future direction of research. With science and research having a profound impact on society, it is important that there are opportunities for people to question, discuss and learn more about the discoveries shaping our lives.

The film features footage from a public debate about future energy scenarios that took place at the University of York as part of the York Festival of Science and Technology. The world is changing rapidly and there is a growing need to consider how our energy will be supplied in future. Researchers are working hard to develop the technologies to help us meet our energy needs in future and as future users of the technologies it is important that the public are involved in this development. The film includes interviews with researchers and members of the public who give their views on the value of public engagement activities such as debate.

RCUK believe it is important that public awareness of, and engagement with, social and ethical issues informs research. Along with the other UK funders of research RCUK is working to create a culture where public engagement is regarded as an important activity by the research community. A Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research was launched at the end of 2010 to help create a greater focus on and embed public engagement with research across all disciplines in the higher education and research sectors.

The new RCUK film is available to watch here.

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Further information

Contact:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592

Notes to editors

1. A copy of the Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research can be found here.

2. Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils. We invest annually around £3 billion in research. Our focus is on excellence with impact. We nurture the highest quality research, as judged by international peer review providing the UK with a competitive advantage. Global research requires we sustain a diversity of funding approaches, fostering international collaborations, and providing access to the best facilities and infrastructure, and locating skilled researchers in stimulating environments. Our research achieves impact – the demonstrable contribution to society and the economy made by knowledge and skilled people. To deliver impact, researchers and businesses need to engage and collaborate with the public, business, government and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.

   The seven UK Research Councils are:

   • Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
   • Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
   • Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
   • Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
   • Medical Research Council (MRC);
   • Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
   • Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).