Catherine Hurcombe speaks to Dr Jemima Dooley from the Department of Psychology about her experience of public engagement in her research, exploring best practice working with Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) groups, and using engaged research to create benefits for both participants and researchers.
Building a Hub of Curiosity: the 2025 FUTURES Pop-Up Shop
On the 12th October, Exeter Phoenix opened its doors to hundreds of local residents ready to let their imaginations run wild. With more than 20 stalls to explore, adults and children alike were invited to learn from academics across the University through engaging, hands-on activities.
How Lived Experience is Shaping Our Team Science Approach to Inclusive Research
Dr Darren Hudson highlights the importance of Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) funding in supporting his team’s application for the NIHR Team Science Award. By working with PPIE representatives from conception of the work, the team’s proposal could be grounded in the needs of those with lived experience, and encourage meaningful change.
LGBTQ+ School Champions
Dr Helen Birkett tells us about how Engaged and Participatory Research Funding helped support the LGBTQ+ Schools Champions Scheme. Working with Dr Chris Sandal-Wilson, and major local charity, Intercom Trust, the project has explored new avenues for engaging young people with LGBTQ+ history, and encouraging belonging amongst LGBTQ+ pupils.
What’s in a Will? Using Public Engagement to Add Depth to a Project
In this interview, Catherine Hurcombe speaks to Dr Laura Sangha from the Department of Archaeology and History about her role on the research project, The Material Culture of Wills, England 1540-1790, which invites members of the public to explore the culture behind early modern wills through citizen science, workshops, and musical performances inspired by these historical stories.
Insect Interactions: The Value of Engaging the Public with Ecology Research
In this interview, Catherine Hurcombe speaks to Dr Thomas O’Shea Wheller from the Department of Ecology and Conservation about the role public engagement plays in his research on the behaviours of social insects, ranging from invasive hornet activities to working with the beekeeping industry.
Eastern Devon Social Health Research Workshop
Professor Manuela Barreto and Camilla Rooney from Wellmoor share insights from their Social Health Learning Project – a collaboration between University researchers and community partners to explore social health interventions in East Devon. Having been shortlisted for the 2024-25 round of Engaged and Participatory Research Funding, this work was supported by an alternative funding source, as it tackled ambitions closely linked to the University’s Civic University Agreements.
Creative Co-Design: Developing Research with Students and Staff
Dr Kristin Liabo, Beccy Summers, and Professors Heike Roms, and Kerrie Schaefer discuss insights gained from recent work supported by the Engaged and Participatory Research Fund. This project collaborated with staff and students to identify strategies for supporting engagement with school-based education.
Shaping the Future of Seaweed Farming in Cornwall
Dr Tomas Chaigneau tells us about his research with co-applicants Giulia Nicolini, Kerry Holbrook, and Ruth Klückers, investigating the role of communities in Cornwall’s seaweed farming industry. Their use of the 2024-25 Engaged and Participatory Research Fund helped to incorporate stakeholder perspectives, and engage both industry professionals and local communities in this project.
Communities Against Climate Change: the Role of the Public in Environmental Science Research
In this interview, Catherine Hurcombe speaks to Professor Stewart Barr from the Department of Geography, and member of the University’s Public Engagement Strategic Advisory Group, about how community-centred research has impacted his work in the field of environmental science.