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Public engagement with research explored by CIVIS Connect Public engagement with research explored by CIVIS Connect =========================================================== General 22 November 2024 The launch edition of CIVIS Connect, [a webinar series organised by CIVIS Open Labs](https://civis.eu/en/get-informed/news/civis-open-labs-launch-the-webinar-series-civis-connect), explored the theme of public engagement with research and the increasingly important role networks such as the European Science Engagement Association (EUSEA) and European University Alliances can play. ![](/storage/files/1732097097947-d0b48f91-3c59-43dd-8bdd-db986a2e8003-2.jpg)During the kick-off session on 14 September 2024, [the ‘good’, ‘bad’ and ‘ugly’ ](https://civis.eu/en/get-informed/events/public-engagement-research-good-bad-ugly-civis-connect)concepts were playfully used to focus on the development of public engagement over the years, highlighting areas where there is scope to do more. Dr. Kenneth Skeldon, president of [EUSEA](https://eusea.info/) and CIVIS Open Lab Lead at the University of Glasgow, led the first webinar of the series. The importance of sharing and networking was underlined by Chris Styles of the EUSEA executive office, who focused on the benefits brought by a diverse pan-European community connecting and exchanging practices around public engagement approaches and activities. Good or bad? ------------- Throughout the session, Dr. Skeldon stressed that specific ‘good’, ‘bad’ and ‘ugly’ examples of public engagement were very much off-limits, and that, in fact, different histories, contexts and experiences make it difficult to simply categorise good or bad practice. Reflecting and implementing practice with everyone’s best interests at heart and being prepared to learn and adapt if and when things don’t always go as planned is key. > *Being honest about the outcomes trying to be achieved through the engagement activity, and then reflecting on the participants or audience and purpose of the engagement activity with a view to implementing appropriate supporting plans and activities. And after all, with such a vibrant public engagement community across Europe and beyond, there will always be the scope and opportunity to strive for better", said Dr. Kenneth Skelton.* New guests each month --------------------- A particularly interesting feature of the CIVIS Connect format is that each month, a local partner or stakeholder relevant to the topic is invited to contribute and share their insights. The first guests were Isobel Wilson and Pat Byrne, from the [*Friends of Winter Gardens and People's Palace Glasgow Green*](https://www.friendsofppwggg.org.uk/) - a grassroots community organisation that had recently been involved in a co-development project with researchers from the University. Hearing their views on what had worked well and what could be improved based on their experience of collaborating with the University was of great value to the discussions. Of particular interest was their highlighting of the university’s reputation and the benefit this can bring to a community organisation seeking to make their voices heard and influence change. This is interesting because power dynamics between community groups and universities are often discussed in a cautionary way with a view to levelling imbalances rather than using them to a particular advantage. CIVIS Connect, webinars throughout the 2024-2025 academic year -------------------------------------------------------------- The CIVIS Connect series is brought to life by the CIVIS Open Labs and features eight monthly one-hour sessions focusing on key topics such as public engagement with research, challenge-led education, civic engagement, outreach, participatory research, and service learning. The next session will take place on December 3rd between 12:00 - 13:00 CET, and it will address [Challenge driven education in practice – sharing experiences and insights from Openlab Stockholm](https://civis.eu/en/get-informed/events/challenge-driven-education-in-practice-sharing-experiences-and-insights-from-openlab-stockholm). You can [register here](https://mobility.civis.eu/e/672c6fdbf398a6492c887e06). - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/1732097097947-d0b48f91-3c59-43dd-8bdd-db986a2e8003-5-618x_.jpg?token=922ae007dfb38ace82ae406ddb42f111) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/1732097097947-d0b48f91-3c59-43dd-8bdd-db986a2e8003-5-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=8cfc13121a5d3e50bba9ad35ca1ace4f) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/1732097097947-d0b48f91-3c59-43dd-8bdd-db986a2e8003-4-618x_.jpg?token=dc32d57e44b70ad181644d4a2f60eb84) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/1732097097947-d0b48f91-3c59-43dd-8bdd-db986a2e8003-4-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=70ea98a450d326a55ec1224b83377f50) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/1732097097947-d0b48f91-3c59-43dd-8bdd-db986a2e8003-3-618x_.jpg?token=d40f5789825b3ad713e066622c060a03) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/1732097097947-d0b48f91-3c59-43dd-8bdd-db986a2e8003-3-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=a47beec4313d156a3accdef174548491) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/1732097097947-d0b48f91-3c59-43dd-8bdd-db986a2e8003-2-618x_.jpg?token=ec8f3b847fbb6c34a7ab371cd37a4dfa) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/1732097097947-d0b48f91-3c59-43dd-8bdd-db986a2e8003-2-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=8bf492376650e2bb3114dc20f77fce4f) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/1732097097947-d0b48f91-3c59-43dd-8bdd-db986a2e8003-1-618x_.jpg?token=57f5135a57e1528fb3fc00fbfff02504) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/1732097097947-d0b48f91-3c59-43dd-8bdd-db986a2e8003-1-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=4168e8b0b9b62efcb1c9e33c12293733) Related news ------------ - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civis-waves-800x600.jpg?token=4ea7a62e44f510793d7d4762d1bfd7d0)Make Some Waves: CIVIS Launches New Podcast Series Communication and Dissemination 7 April 2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/make-some-waves-civis-launches-new-podcast-series) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/ols-ebook-migrant-storytelling-2-800x600.jpg?token=e4d57d52141887f07e54e749b7a54207)When art speaks louder than headlines: CIVIS Open Lab participants reclaim the meaning of home Connect 12 March 2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/when-art-speaks-louder-than-headlines-civis-open-lab-reclaims-the-meaning-of-home) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/the-800x600.jpg?token=093ed83bda03945717bc4b6f81b3ec67)Improvements for UofG in THE Subject Rankings 2026 CIVIS Highlights 26 February 2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/improvements-for-uofg-in-the-subject-rankings-2026) [Discover all our stories](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom) [ ULB commits to digital responsibility ](< https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/ulb-commits-to-digital-responsibility >) [ SU researchers revolutionise construction by turning tree bark into high-performance coating ](< https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/su-researchers-revolutionise-construction-by-turning-tree-bark-into-high-performance-coating >) ![CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance](https://civis.eu/build/assets/civis-CCpvK1nT.svg) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Europe’s Civic University Alliance ![Co-funded by the European Union](https://civis.eu/build/assets/co-funded-by-the-european-union-DSKLW1us.png)Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). 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