Creative Research Communication - by Clare Wilkinson & Emma Weitkamp

About the Book

Creative research communication provides a theoretically grounded introduction to a range of practical approaches to research engagement, as well as addressing emerging issues, such as inclusivity, professionalism and ethics.

Book Synopsis

Aimed at researchers interested in engaging the public with their research and postgraduate students exploring the practical aspects of research communication, this book provides a theoretically grounded introduction to a wide range of approaches to public engagement and research communication. Split into three sections, the reader first explores the historical approaches and current drivers for public engagement with research, including inclusivity. Part II explores practical approaches to research engagement, from face-to-face communication in novel settings, such as festivals, through to artistic approaches and digital tools, as well as citizen science approaches and methods for co-creation. Each practical chapter is theoretically grounded, exploring issues such as audience, interactivity, and impact. The final section explores the developing professionalism within the field, including ethical considerations and the role of communication in creating research impact. Finally, we argue for the need to disseminate the success (or otherwise) of novel approaches to public engagement to wider groups, including public engagement practitioners.

From the Back Cover

This book explores new and emerging approaches to engaging people with research, placing these in the wider context of research communication. Split into three sections, this substantially updated second edition of Creative research communication explores the historical routes and current drivers for public engagement, adding new work on inclusivity, professionalism and ethics as well as exploring practical approaches to engagement and considering how public engagement contributes to impact.

Starting from the premise that researchers can and ought to participate in the public sphere, this book provides practical guidance and advice on contributing to political discourse and policymaking, as well as engaging the public where they are (whether that is at the theatre, using digital media or as contributors to research itself). By considering the plurality of publics and their diverse needs and interests, it is quite possible to find a communications niche that offers up opportunities for the public to contribute to and thoughtfully consider issues raised by research, as well as its potential benefits to society.

These are important times for research communication. We face global challenges that range from populism and a denial of expertise to climate breakdown and potential challenges associated with technologies such as generative artificial intelligence. Instead of diminishing research communication to a tick-box exercise, we encourage researchers to consider opportunities for creative research communication approaches, to embrace ways to engage authentically and to enhance the integrity of research communication, in the context of their own disciplines and interests.

About the Author

Clare Wilkinson is an Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Science Communication Unit, UWE Bristol. Working in science communication for over 20 years, she has published two co-authored books, and in 2020 she became a series editor for Bristol University Press where for 'Contemporary Issues in Science Communication'. Clare's work has included four chapters in edited books and over 30 peer reviewed articles in journals.

Emma Weitkamp is Professor of Science Communication and Co-Director of the Science Communication Unit, UWE Bristol. With a background in both practical science communication and science communication research, she has published widely for both academic and practitioner audiences. Emma co-authored or edited three books and her work has been included in 11 book chapters and she has published around 40 peer reviewed journal articles. She was editor of the peer reviewed journal, Journal of Science Communication from 2014 - 2022.