Public Engagement and Impact
We support the strategic embedding of Public Engagement in research and research institutions. We do this by opening research culture and processes to non-academic stakeholders via a diverse range of formats and methodologies. The aim is to enable and maximise research impact applicable to societal and environmental needs.
The Public Engagement and Impact unit is part of the Society and Nature science programme of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin.
What do we mean by "Public Engagement" and "Impact"?
Public Engagement (PE), in our understanding, is three things:
- It is a field in the German research landscape,
- it is a practice of exchange between researchers and non-academic stakeholders (e.g. citizens, experts, NGOs, schools, children, associations, politicians or companies), and stands for
- the attitude that research and society can and should benefit mutually from interacting.
Through PE, the different perspectives and expertise of all "relevant knowledge actors" is included in research. It is our mission to enable researchers to enter into a fruitful interaction with people outside their academic sphere. We envision and are working towards a German research culture which includes the diverse variety of knowledge and expertise, might it be from academic or non-academic contributors.
Impact refers to the effects or changes that are generated by Public Engagement initiatives e.g. on stakeholders, institutions, the wider society, or the environment. Impact can have an individual or systemic scope.
Our projects
IETI – Impact-oriented Public Engagement, aims to improve the quality and efficiency of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin's Public Engagement through impact research, culture change and co-creation. We do this by developing impact planning and assessment methodologies, enabling engagement and co-creation with external stakeholders, and developing processes that reward and incentivise Public Engagement.
The Berlin School of Public Engagement and Open Science promotes dialogue and interaction formats between researchers and publics in order to critically and systematically address societal challenges. We build capacity and competence for Public Engagement and societal participation with research, through training and consultancy at individual, institutional and international level.
Connect with us
- if you are curious about Public Engagement, impact, culture change, PE training, co-creation and participation in research
- if you want to learn how we can support you/your institution, for example through PE training or consultation
- if you are interested in a research or practice collaboration
