Public Engagement with Research

Southampton's Spectrum of public engagement

There are many different public engagement events and activities at Southampton - we like to think in terms of a 'spectrum' of engagement.

Some of these are organised directly by the PERu team - keeping in mind the needs and aspirations of our researchers/staff/students, our partners/collaborators, and our public/community audiences.

Some are organised by other teams, within the University or externally, with PERu providing connectivity across the spectrum.

Researcher's cafe at Cheltenham Science Festival

Bringing Research to Life Roadshow

The Research Roadshow tours a selection of our research on an annual basis at regional and national events, usually between February and September.

Research Cafe

The Research Cafe enables students, staff and the public to meet University researchers and discuss their reserach in an informal space.

Festivals

Human Worlds Festival (November) and Science & Engineering Festival (March) are Southampton's two major annual platforms for research engagement.

University Challenged

Our version in the style of the popular TV show – with mixed teams of staff and students

Public Engagement Hubs

Bringing together members of the University and those in the wider Southampton community around a shared interest.

Some Spectrum activities are organised by colleagues from elsewhere in the University, including some nationally-coordinated events:

Bright Club

Researchers take their work to a wider audience, sharing their enthusiasm for their area of expertise within the guise of stand-up comedy

Pint of Science

An opportunity for scientists (in the broadest sense) to take their research into local pubs. Southampton is one of many locations nationally, and events run during May each year.

Meet the Scientist at LifeLab

Small group sessions within LifeLab's teaching programme, where researchers talk informally with school pupils about their research and life as a scientist.

TEDx

TEDxSouthampton brings the famous TED-style talks to Southampton with an independently curated event