Researchers in Residence – a scheme to help researchers engage the public

The recently launched Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research, to which Research Councils UK (RCUK)[i] are a signatory, outlines the expectations and responsibilities of research funders with respect to public engagement, to help further embed public engagement in universities and research institutes.

RCUK recognises all the excellent public engagement work you already do and would like to thank you for all your efforts. We hope that the Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research will help to strengthen existing good practice in public engagement by providing guidance for institutes to ensure it is better valued, recognised and supported.

To help you further support researchers to engage with the public, RCUK in partnership with the Wellcome Trust would like all PhD and post doctoral researchers in receipt of direct or indirect funding from one of the seven UK Research Councils or the Wellcome Trust to participate in its Researchers in Residence (RinR) scheme.

RinR organises opportunities for researchers to engage 11-18 year olds in host schools or Further Education colleges via talks, discussions and practical demonstrations relating to their research.

The scheme offers free professional development in public engagement via formal communication, presentation and teaching skills training before any school visits and completes the necessary CRB checks for you.

 

Engaging 11-18 year old students supports researchers’ personal skills development; and recognises and values researchers’ participation via an RCUK/Wellcome Trust recognised certificate and the reimbursement of researchers’ expenses the scheme.

 

Involvement in RinR also demonstrates an on-going relationship with a host school and can help to strengthen a researcher’s pathways to impact.

 

Voicing his support of the scheme, Professor Lord Robert Winston states, “We as researchers have a duty to act as positive role models for young people to help inspire them as they consider their future career options. In this respect it is vitally important to engage with them while they are at school and share experiences.

“The Researchers in Residence scheme is a wonderful opportunity for researchers like me to involve the younger generation with scientific research.”

 

Researchers interested in participating should apply online at www.researchersinresidence.ac.uk

 

If you would like to find out more about the scheme call Paul Fisher on 0870 190 6703 or your regional contact:

 

North East, East Midlands Yorkshire & Humberside Paul Rosen, [log in to unmask] 0870 190 3846
North West, West Midlands Rob Bradstock, [log in to unmask] 0870 190 8442
 South East, John Merne, [log in to unmask] 0870 190 6194
South West & Wales Rhian Power, [log in to unmask] 0870 190 2824

Scotland and NI Fiona Porter, [log in to unmask], 0870 190 6228

 


[i] The Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK’s seven Research Councils:

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

Economic and Social Sciences Research Council (ESRC)

Medical Research Council (MRC)

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

Science and Technology Facilities Research Council (STFC)



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