The University of Southampton has applied for the Engage Watermark, assessed by the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE). The Public Engagement with Research unit (PERu) is leading this effort to achieve the Watermark in 2025.
This internationally recognised award evaluates our Engagement Culture and future intentions. It examines how we embed Public Engagement in our institution’s purpose, the processes supporting our community’s engagement efforts, and the opportunities for staff, students, and public groups to engage, enhancing research impact.
The rigorous Watermark review will provide benchmarks, inform our strategy, and support our Knowledge Exchange and Research Excellence Framework responses. We invite all staff and PGRs to contribute to this critical first stage.
Similar to a charter mark, the Engage Watermark signifies strategic support for public engagement and a commitment to improvement. Like a watermark in a document, it indicates that engagement is integral to our institution.
The NCCPE defines public engagement as the various ways higher education and research activities and benefits are shared with the public, including civic engagement, patient involvement, collaborative research, and student engagement. It is a two-way process aimed at generating mutual benefit.
Please complete the 15-minute survey to share your views on the University’s support for public engagement, this survey is open from the 10th of January to the 28th of February. Your feedback will inform the award level and help improve our support for public engagement.
Thank you very much for your time and for helping to inform the future of Public Engagement at the University of Southampton. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.
AREQA Approval: 2024/566