About us

What is public engagement?

“...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.”

National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement

Public Engagement team

publicengagement@brookes.ac.uk

The Public Engagement Network (PEN) at Oxford Brookes University

The PEN at Oxford Brookes University is sponsored by Prof Linda King, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Global Partnerships, and led by Prof Anna Nekaris (Professor in Anthropology and Primate Conservation and Public Engagement and Outreach Lead) and Dr Ellie Beaman (Postdoctoral Research Assistant and Public Engagement and Outreach Deputy Lead) in cross-University roles, in collaboration with colleagues from Faculties and Directorates.

Through PEN we wish to bring together researchers interested in public engagement, and support and promote their activities.

We also want to broadcast these activities to the public, and serve as a portal for the public to learn about and participate in engagement activities happening at Oxford Brookes University.

Our objectives are:

to be a first point of contact for PE advice
to support researchers in their PE activities by providing training and resources
to promote opportunities to participate in larger PE events
to provide examples of case studies; to capture and help promote PE activity
to improve communication across Faculties to encourage PE collaboration and increase impact
to recognise excellence in PE
to collaborate with internal and external teams and networks
to increase student participation in PE
to make PE activities accessible to the public.