Training

We have a number of free training courses available to help you learn about and develop your public engagement skills. Unless otherwise stated these courses are available to all (DPhil students, researchers at all levels, and support staff). They are run jointly with MPLS.

NOTE: You should always ensure that you check that you can attend courses before you book, and make a note of them in your own calendar. Please note that where stated, a refundable deposit may be payable. This deposit will only be refunded if you attend the session or notify us of withdrawal in good time. Full terms and conditions will be provided.

Introduction to Public Engagement

Dates: Wednesday 28 October, 9.30am - 12.30pm or Tuesday 1 December, 10am - 1pm

This session provides an introduction to public engagement for anyone interested in getting started or looking for a bit of inspiration.

Engagement describes the myriad of ways that we can share our research and its value by interacting with wider public audiences, generating mutual benefit.

We look at what public engagement is and some of the reasons why you might want to do it. We’ll highlight the multitude of different approaches you can take, including real examples from the University and further afield. We’ll provide tips on getting started and where to get support. Researchers will present their experiences and answer your questions.

Introduction to: Evaluating PER

Date: Tuesday 10 November, 1pm - 2.15pm

Evaluation is a process to collect evidence, learn from your experiences and can provide you with evidence of outcomes and different types of impact arising from Public Engagement with Research. If you are new to evaluation, join us at this webinar for:

An overview of evaluation; why it’s important and how it can enhance Public Engagement with Research activities
Examples of evaluation tools (including those that can be used for online activities)
Top tips, templates and advice to help you get started with planning an evaluation

This webinar is for University of Oxford Researchers; Public Engagement Facilitators; Impact Officers; Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) staff; who are new to evaluation.

This webinar is facilitated by Dr Annaleise Depper (Engagement & Evaluation Facilitator, Public Engagement with Research, Research Services) at the University of Oxford.

Telling Stories That Matter: Communicating Your Research Through story

Date: Friday 6 November, 10am - 11am

Discover more about how to craft and apply storytelling skills to communicate your research.

Discover what elements of storytelling and narrative can be used to enhance a profession in the sciences.
Craft compelling and moving stories from your experiences as a scientist using these key story elements: character, conflict, structure, metaphor and description.
Apply these storytelling and narrative skills to working in the sciences: communicating research to a range of audiences (including publics, media and funding bodies); enhancing presentation skills; telling scientific stories across a range of media.

Robert Holtom is a professional storyteller and consultant who has worked with a range of organisations to help them refine and hone their stories for a variety of audiences.

Podcast Your Science

Date: Tuesday 24 November, 9.30am - 12.30pm

From inception to publication; this practical session delivered by Emily Elias, journalist and producer of the Oxford Sparks podcast series, is a whirlwind tour through the basics of how to share your research in an engaging manner through podcasting. The session will introduce approaches to podcasting, present inspiration from a range of different podcast styles, and take you step-by-step through the basic technical skills of recording, editing and publishing audio files; you’ll have the chance to develop an idea and have a go recording it with support and feedback during the day.

N.B. Please note that you will need a laptop with Audacity installed and headphones for this session

Podcasting one-to-one coaching session

Date: Tuesday 8 December, 1pm - 5pm

Book a half hour session of individual coaching and feedback on your podcasting work, from technical tips to journalistic insight in to editing and identifying stories.

Further information on Podcasting 1:1 Coaching Session

Beyond Communications: Effective Two-Way Engagement

Date: Thursday 12 November, 9.30am - 12.30pm

This introductory session will introduce you to what, why and how of turning your engagement into a rich, two-way conversation with your public audiences.

Dialogue and debate are valuable approaches to move beyond communication to involve and consult wider publics in the research process. They can also provide the means to make any informative activity more engaging for those taking part.

This session will highlight examples, practical tips and provide the opportunity for you to start to develop your own ideas and plans.

Training from around the University

There's a range of training opportunities and resources available across the University, visit the University support pages to find out more.

Something missing? Let us know what topics or types of courses you would like.