Opportunities for the public and communities

There are many opportunities for the public and communities to engage with our research. You could collaborate on or contribute to research projects; discover the latest findings and insights at events across the city; or help us to engage better.

Engaged research involves partnering with the public and communities from as early as possible, with researchers working with communities to understand what matters most to them. Community groups may want to seek out researchers to collaborate on projects and make a difference to research.

There are various opportunities for community groups or organisations to partner with Oxford’s researchers on research projects, including:

• PCER Fund: Supports purposeful and responsible public and community engagement with research (PCER) activities. Members of the public and local community groups can partner with Oxford University researchers on applications.
• Science Together: Connects local community groups with researchers to collaborate on meaningful projects that address local challenges.
• Community Impact Lab: Connects interdisciplinary teams of graduate researchers with local organisations tackling inequality in Oxfordshire.
• Local Policy Lab: Connects researchers and policymakers for evidence-based local policy.

If you are a community member with a specific interest, email Bridget Holligan, our Community Engagement Manager.

Read about the latest in Oxford University’s science research through podcasts, news pieces, and videos: Oxford Sparks.

There are family-friendly festivals and events year-round to open Oxford’s research to new audiences. These include:

• Festival of Social Science
• The Leys Festival
• Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar
• ATOM Festival of Science and Technology
• Being Human Festival
• Festival of Tomorrow
• Green Man Festival - Einstein’s Garden
• IF (Oxford Science + Ideas Festival)
• The British Academy Summer Showcase

The University also offers various ways to work with and support local communities, including small community grants and access to our buildings and facilities.

Find more information about these broader community engagement efforts. 

Sign up to our newsletter for more news, events and updates.

Email the team