Aimed at researchers interested in engaging the public with their research and postgraduate students exploring the practical aspects of research communication, this book provides a theoretically grounded introduction to a wide range of approaches to public engagement and research communication. Split into three sections, the reader first explores the historical approaches and current drivers for public engagement with research, including inclusivity. Part II explores practical approaches to research engagement, from face-to-face communication in novel settings, such as festivals, through to artistic approaches and digital tools, as well as citizen science approaches and methods for co-creation. Each practical chapter is theoretically grounded, exploring issues such as audience, interactivity, and impact. The final section explores the developing professionalism within the field, including ethical considerations and the role of communication in creating research impact. Finally, we argue for the need to disseminate the success (or otherwise) of novel approaches to public engagement to wider groups, including public engagement practitioners.

Author Biography

Clare Wilkinson is an Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Science Communication Unit, UWE Bristol. Working in science communication for over 20 years, she has published two co-authored books, and in 2020 she became a series editor for Bristol University Press where for ‘Contemporary Issues in Science Communication’. Clare’s work has included four chapters in edited books and over 30 peer reviewed articles in journals.

Emma Weitkamp is Professor of Science Communication and Co-Director of the Science Communication Unit, UWE Bristol. With a background in both practical science communication and science communication research, she has published widely for both academic and practitioner audiences. Emma co-authored or edited three books and her work has been included in 11 book chapters and she has published around 40 peer reviewed journal articles. She was editor of the peer reviewed journal, Journal of Science Communication from 2014 2022.

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