CENTRE FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Professor Anthony HollanderAs 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.
School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Training
Enjoying training
There is a range of skills that help with public engagement and many ways to access training. Different types of training are presented below.
- University of Bristol Staff Development
- External training programmes
- Training providers
- Experiential training
Staff Development training
The University's Staff Development department runs a range of courses relevant to public engagement, including presentation skills and effective communication. In the past, CPE has provided introductory public engagement training, in conjunction with Staff Development; contact us to find out more; email cpe-info@bristol.ac.uk.
The Public Relations Office also runs an Introduction to the Media course to help staff prepare for contact with the media.
Postgraduate training
Postgraduate training should now include transferable skills, many of which are relevant for public engagement. See the RCUK Concordat to support the career development of researchers, which outlines expectations and responsibilities of researchers, their managers, employers and funders.
CPE can help design and deliver a public engagement training course for postgraduate students. We have done this for the School of Biological Sciences, Department of Politics and for Engineering and Physical Sciences Doctoral Training Centres. We encourage staff writing grants to include costs for training in their proposals. For approximate costing and advice on programme design, get in touch; tel: +44 (0)117 331 8313, email: cpe-info@bristol.ac.uk.
External training programmes
Many public engagement opportunities include some training for researchers – for example STEM Ambassadors and Researchers in Residence. Research Councils and other funders may also offer training for their researchers. The NCCPE has an excellent summary of national training opportunities.
Training providers
If you have a budget for training, you can organise a tailor-made programme that specifically addresses the skills you require. Rates vary between providers, and this is not intended as an exhaustive or endorsed list.
- University of the West of England (UWE) Science Communication Unit
- Vox Coaching
- Catalyst
- Sci Connect
- Frank Burnet - independent science communication consultant
- EPSRC recommended providers
Experiential training
One of the best ways to get training in public engagement is to give it a go! You can learn a lot from working with more experienced practitioners, and from reflecting on your experiences afterwards. We can also help you find a buddy or mentor at the University who would be willing to spend time helping you to develop your activities.The annual Engage conference is also an excellent place to learn about what others are doing, the skills they have developed, and their successes and failures.