Public Engagement at Plymouth
The sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ is committed to engaging the public, academics, students, and stakeholders with research
Our research is inclusive, impactful and enriches the lives of those who are involved in it
The sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ is committed to engaging the public with its research. Our researchers work with a diverse range of communities and publics from in and around the city of Plymouth to communities right across the globe.
We understand the benefits of engaging people throughout the research process, from understanding what matters most to people and prioritising research areas, co-creating research and sharing research findings to those who directly benefit from them.
The public engagement team work across the University to provide advice and support, training and funding for engaged activities.
What is Public Engagement?
"The National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement defines public engagement as "the myriad of ways in which the activity and benefits of higher education and research can be shared with the public. Engagement is by definition a two-way process involving interaction and listening, with the goal of generating mutual benefit."
Essentially public engagement with research can be any research activity which involves learning from conversations, sharing knowledge, collaborating on projects and research activity with the public.
University commits to celebrating public engagement
The University has become a signatory of the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) Manifesto, which invites institutions to publicly affirm, celebrate, and support their public engagement activities and commitments.
The most thrilling part of research will always be finding things we do not know. But talking to the public can open your mind in surprising and inspiring ways.
I used to work in the global energy sector and developed a clear understanding of the science involved. But when I talked to people, they asked less about science and more about trust and understanding. It changed my mindset and meant my work took on a completely different dimension.
Professor Richard Davies
Vice-Chancellor
I try to encourage every researcher here in Plymouth to do the same, which is why we signed the NCCPE's Manifesto for Public Engagement. We work in disciplines with wide-ranging impacts, whether that's forging innovations in autonomous technologies, exploring treatments for brain tumours, or driving ambitions across the creative industries. But in all of them, people are critical.
So we don't simply throw our research out and hope it lands – it's a two-way street. We listen to our partners and ensure our work has local and global relevance. We identify the key questions they want answered and think outside the box to answer them. And we talk to people of all ages, so it delivers impact that is relevant now and inspires future generations too."
Our strategy
To support our academic community and the public we engage with, the sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ has developed a public engagement strategy. This strategy was co-created with our University community, public and communities beyond the University. .
Discover more about Public Engagement at Plymouth
Find out what our team can offer
Training and events
Details of our upcoming training and events.
Awards and funding
We support researchers with funding opportunities to try out new public engagement methods and approaches within their research proposals.
Case studies
Discover some of the ways our researchers have worked to engage with the public.
The Public Engagement Network (PEN)
PEN is an internal network for academic and professional service staff that aims to create a platform for sharing ideas, receiving support from peers, and making our work more visible.
- Join a community of staff passionate about engaging communities and the public with research.
- Hear what’s happening across the University and share your own experiences.
- Keep up to date on the latest public engagement news and funding opportunities.
and you will be invited to meetings as well as receiving a newsletter.
Highlights
Designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge to excel in public engagement, this programme offers a range of online modules and downloadable toolkits, all accessible through Moodle.
The Explore Awards aim to assist researchers, with priority for Early Career Researchers, in a range of ways to support their public engagement with research.
Do you have a local issue that needs researching? Have you got a problem in your community that you want to resolve, or an idea to help the city? You can get involved in community research with us!
The ESRC Festival of Social Science offers a fascinating insight into some of the country's leading social science research and how it influences our social, economic and political lives – both now and in the future.
A free festival of science and research coming to Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall in September 2026. It is a chance to meet real researchers, get hands-on with their work, and discover the extraordinary things happening right on your doorstep.
The University has been supported by the National Civic Impact Accelerator (NCIA) to transform how we connect with our local community. Here in Plymouth, we’ve developed this digital University Navigator: a space designed to help local groups access University resources, collaborate on research and engage in training or student-led projects.
FUTURES
FUTURES is a festival of discovery; exploring the past, creating the present and imagining the future. Funded by UK Research and Innovation, FUTURES brings research to life by giving you the opportunity to get creative, ask questions and try new things.
Future Neighbourhoods Showcase
Led by
Professor Katharine Willis and Nudge Community Builders, the event provided insights into creating inclusive spaces for all citizens, with a focus on building strong, sustainable neighbourhoods. The hands-on workshop showcased technology as a catalyst for positive change, emphasising its transformative role in community building. We hope you enjoy the video which gives a glimpse into the inspiring ideas and community-driven efforts that define the path toward a brighter, more sustainable neighbourhood!
Meet the team
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![Miss Sarah Cahoon Public Engagement Officer]( "Miss Sarah Cahoon")
Miss Sarah Cahoon
Public Engagement Officer
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![Mrs Iola Nelson Public Engagement Manager]( "Mrs Iola Nelson")
Mrs Iola Nelson
Public Engagement Manager
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![Mrs Erandi De Silva Public Engagement Officer]( "Mrs Erandi De Silva")
Mrs Erandi De Silva
Public Engagement Officer
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![Mr Matthew Grant Voyage of Discovery Marketing Officer]( "Mr Matthew Grant")
Mr Matthew Grant
Voyage of Discovery Marketing Officer
Work with us
We welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can work together.
Please email publicengagement@plymouth.ac.uk and we’ll get in touch.
Useful Public Engagement guidance
Whilst our PE team are on hand to support you, the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement has a host of useful guidelines for researchers and public engagement professionals. Below are some links that you may find particularly useful:
Whilst our PE team are on hand to support you, the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement has a host of useful guidelines for researchers and public engagement professionals. Below are some links that you may find particularly useful:
Guidance
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Tools
– use this template to think through your own engagement project.
– use this template to think through your own engagement project.
News and insights
is up to date with the latest insights in PE practice and policy.
is up to date with the latest insights in PE practice and policy.