Public engagement connects our research with the people and communities it is designed to benefit. It is a collaborative, two-way process that builds trust, strengthens accountability and ensures our work reflects real-world needs.
At Edinburgh Napier, we inspire, consult and collaborate with diverse publics so that research and society benefit together. Engagement shapes our research at every stage, from early planning to sharing results, ensuring it is relevant, inclusive and impactful.
How we work
A dedicated public engagement manager and five academic public engagement leads support activity across the University. Communities from Edinburgh and beyond contribute to research across a wide range of disciplines.
We offer training, advice and seed funding to help staff and students develop meaningful engagement. Our approach recognises the importance of equity and considers how factors such as social class, ethnicity and gender influence participation.
Our goals
- Embed engagement in research culture by supporting researchers to develop their practice.
- Work in partnership with communities, ensuring mutual benefit is central to every project.
- Reward and recognise engagement, including through workload allocation, promotion pathways and recognition for community partners.
- Showcase engagement and its impact, strengthening visibility and encouraging new collaborations.