From Deficit to Dialogue. Introduction to Public Engagement

This interactive and hands-on training addresses early career researchers with none or little experience in the field of Public Engagement. The training will not just answer the question why Public Engagement is important for society and stakeholders, but also how researchers can benefit from an open dialogue with multiple partners and audiences. 

Contents

• Trends and developments in science-society relations: from “deficit” to “dialogue”, from “result-oriented” to “processes-oriented”, from “topic-driven” to “challenge-driven” communication.
• Let’s talk about ethics and values: What’s my role as a researcher in society?
• Where are my benefits in communicating my research? Which capacities do I get? Where can I use these skills?

Throughout this training, theory and practice will be combined. After some theoretical input, we will encourage participants to design a dialogue-oriented engagement approach for their individual research project: What's my story? Who could be interested in my research? Who is affected by it and who could contribute?

Methods

Our methodology consists of combining creative elements like Gamestorming, Lego Serious Play or role play with online whiteboards to build scenarios or plan a concrete project. We work co-creatively with formats like open spaces and will use breakout sessions for the interactive group work.

HRA’s Project for Research Communication: This workshop is part of a larger research communication project which is funded by the Claussen-Simon-Stiftung.