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Strategic Support to Expedite Embedding Public Engagement with Research

The UKRI Strategic Support to Expedite Embedding Public Engagement with Research (SEE-PER) call sought to help enrich and embed cultures within HEIs where excellent public engagement with research (PER) is supported, valued, rewarded and integrated within institutional policies and practices.

The first year of this programme ran from October 2017 to October 2018. In May 2018, the SEE-PER projects were given the opportunity to apply for a second year of funding to embed and expand upon work done in the first phase.

Ten of the twelve projects received funding to extend for a further 12 months, and the programme concluded in early 2020.

Download the report: Change Makers - Lessons learned from the UKRI SEE-PER programme 

Without SEE-PER, we would still be functioning in a reactive, ad-hoc manner. Taking the time to gather evidence, speak to those involved and those who might potentially be involved has given us both the clarity and the confidence to understand what we need to focus our efforts on for the maximum impact.
Laura Wicks, PE lead at Heriot Watt University

Embedding Change

Two types of approach were funded. ‘Embedding change’ proposals sought to enhance and embed an institution’s approach to supporting PER, building on the learning from the Beacons for Public Engagement, RCUK PER Catalyst and Catalyst Seed Fund programmes. Their final project reports contain a wealth of insight and advice about how to develop effective support for public engagement.

 

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The SEE-PER funding has enabled us to move quickly from being an institution which believed in PER, doing so from the perspective of siloed excellence and uncoordinated enthusiasm: to one in which PER is integrated into the research management system and backed by a programme of reward, recognition and support”.
David Amigoni – PVC, Research and Enterprise, Keele University

Challenge projects

‘Challenge’ projects addressed a specific challenge in supporting PER effectively, and expanded the existing knowledge base about ‘what works’ in effectively supporting PER. They explored how to encourage take up of training and development; how to foster quality partnerships, and how to embed PE-R in global grand challenges.

ChallengeCPD gave me space to think more deeply and critically about training. It also provided an opportunity to learn more directly from those who do Researcher Development, both at the University of Bath and across the sector.
Helen Featherstone – Head of Public Engagement, University of Bath
Resources: 
The University of Brighton’s Ignite programme developed a fast track incubator model for initiating a set of community-research partnerships. They seed-funded seven partnerships, and their website features films and information on the programme.

Access SEE-PER tools and resources

The ‘Support Engagement’ area of our website contains a host of the practical tools and resources that were developed by the SEE-PER teams. Here are just some of the resources on offer:

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