Creative Research Communication

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.

Clare Wilkinson is Associate Professor in Science Communication at the University of the West of England