As scientists, we're sometimes viewed as another species. I'm on a bit of a mission to break down that stereotype by showing that I'm a human being.

There are some answers to typical questions about the Centre for Public Engagement. If none of these answer your question, please contact us by telephone: +44 (0)117 331 8313, or email: cpe-info@bristol.ac.uk.

• General questions
• For University staff
• For members of the public
• For external organisations

What is public engagement?

Public engagement describes the many ways in which the University interacts with the public, from sharing research to opening up its facilities for public use.  Find out more about public engagement at Bristol. Further information is available through the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement.

What is the Centre for Public Engagement (CPE)?

The Centre for Public Engagement (CPE) is a small support services department that supports public engagement at the University. It is part of the Communications Division, along with the Public Relations Office and the Public and Ceremonial Events Office.

What are the main activities of the CPE?

The CPE runs public events, provides training , helps find funding for staff, and develops projects with external organisations interested in engagement work. We work with the Engaged University Steering Group to set strategy in engagement and gather case studies to illustrate the range of public engagement taking place at the University.

Tell me about public engagement at the University of Bristol

There is a long history of public engagement at the University and it is an important part of the University's Vision and Strategy. Staff are involved in a vast range of activities, from collaborative research and teaching to working with the media and schools. We have a dedicated Centre for Public Engagement, and  Professor of Sciences and Society, Kathy Sykes, is based in the University's Institute for Advanced Studies. We also have close links with the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE), which we host jointly with the University of the West of England (UWE).

What is the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE)?

The NCCPE coordinates the Beacons for Public Engagement initiative, a four-year project funded by HEFCE, RCUK and the Wellcome Trust designed to embed public engagement within the higher education sector. The project established six university-based collaborative centres or 'beacons' across the UK, in partnership between the University of Bristol and the  University of the West of England.  Further information about the NCCPE is available. 

(Back to top)

I am interested in public engagement  - who should I talk to?

You can get in touch with  Kate Miller, our Academic Liaison Officer; tel: +44 (0)117 331 8321, email: kate.miller@bristol.ac.uk or contact the CPE office; tel: +44 (0)117 331 8313, email: cpe-info@bristol.ac.uk.

Can you provide funding for my public engagement activity?

We don't have a budget to fund public engagement directly, but we can help you find funding from dedicated funding sources or help you write public engagement into your research grant application. Find out more in the funding section on this site.

Can you help me promote my public engagement activity?

Yes, we can list your event in a number of channels, depending on the type and audience of your activity. We can use our events listing on our website, via our blog, through our Twitter channel, in the Engagers' Digest or in What's on (PDF 518 KB),  our monthly guide to public events. To contribute to What's on, or for web-related publicity, contact the CPE team; tel: +44 (0)117 331 8313, email: cpe-info@bristol.ac.uk.

Do you provide public engagement training? 

Yes we can help with bespoke training and also keep a list of forthcoming training opportunities and training providers.  The NCCPE provides training information. We also have an updated list of resources to help with public engagement.

Can public engagement help me assess the impact of my research?

Yes - public engagement is one mechanism through which the impact of research can be demonstrated. We can help both with developing impact statements for grant applications and by helping you to develop narratives of your research and its influences for reporting processes. We are helping to organise impact workshops across the University to support academics with the research impact agenda. For further information, contact Maggie Legget; tel: +44 (0)117 3318325, email: maggie.leggett@bristol.ac.uk or see the impact section of this website. The NCCPE also has information about impact measurement.

Can you help me evaluate my public engagement activity?

Yes, we can advise on planning, delivering and evaluating public engagement, and would be happy to talk to you about your project.  Further information about evaluation is available.

Do you provide general information about public engagement?

We produce a bi-monthly digest - the Engagers' Digest - which includes funding opportunities, forthcoming events, further reading, recent case studies and news, and issues of general public engagement interest.  This is available by email and you can register by sending an email to kate.miller@bristol.ac.uk. You can also view the Digest on the CPE blog. There is more general information about public engagement on the NCCPE website.

(Back to top)

I would like to attend one of your talks; who should I contact?

We take bookings by telephone and email. Please contact the office; tel: +44 (0) 117 331 8313, email: cpe-info@bristol.ac.uk. You can find out more by visiting our events page and the University events calendar. For a list of forthcoming public lectures, visit the Public and Ceremonial Events Office website.

Can I book more than 1 place at a time?

Yes, we don't put a limit on the number of places that you book, but please let us know (cpe-info@bristol.ac.uk) if you are unable to attend so that we can give your seats to someone else. This is important as most of our events are fully booked and we usually have a reserve list.

Do I have to pick up a ticket?

As CPE events are free, we don't issue tickets. Your name will be on a list and will be checked off during registration for the event.

How do I know if a place has been reserved for me?

We will get in touch by telephone or email to let you know that a place has been reserved in your name.

Can I listen to an audio recording of a recent Twilight Talk?

Where possible there are audio recordings of talks on the Twilight Talks web page.

How can I find out more about public events at the University?

You can visit the University's online events calendar, subscribe to the What's on guide (PDF 518 KB), view the programme of forthcoming public lectures, view the CPE's events listing on this website. You can also follow us on Twitter to get updates on forthcoming events or visit our blog.

Can I subscribe to the What's on (PDF 313 KB) guide?

To be added to the What's on mailing list, email: cpe-info@bristol.ac.uk. You can request a copy by post or email (as a PDF attachment). 

What options for study are there?

You can study at Bristol as an undergraduate or a postgraduate. For further information on all the options available, visit the Study at Bristol website.

Can I use the sports facilities?

University sports facilities are open to the public on a membership basis. There is a variety of membership options available and full details can be seen on the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health's website.

Can I use the libraries?

The libraries can be used by members of the public but this access is limited and needs advance approval. Further information on library access is available on the Library and Information Services website.

Can I use the conference facilities?

The University has a wide range of excellent conference facilities available for hire and a Conference Office which deals with booking arrangements.

Do you run special activities for schools?

Some of our projects have a special focus on schools and some events include special schools days. For further information, contact Diane Thorne; tel: +44 (0)117 331 8318, email: diane.thorne@bristol.ac.uk. The Widening Participation and Undergraduate Recruitment Office also organises schools activities.

(Back to top)

For external organisations

My organisation is interested in working with the University; who should I contact?

Maggie Leggett, Head of the Centre for Public Engagement;  tel: +44 (0)117 3318325,  email: maggie.leggett@bristol.ac.uk

(Back to top)