Introduction to Public Engagement in Scholarly Spaces
Modern scholarly communication is shifting from dissemination models toward active community engagement. Developing ‘co-creation’ models in science ensures that research priorities are aligned with societal needs and communities are active partners in scientific discovery.
Defining Co-Creation and Public Engagement
Public Engagement goes beyond public lectures. It encompasses cooperative research where scientists and community members collaborate to identify research questions, design study methodologies, collect data, and co-author findings, ensuring the resulting science directly benefits the community.
Designing Equitable Participatory Frameworks
Successful co-creation requires equitable relationships. Researchers must respect community expertise, involve community leaders in project governance, share resources fairly, and co-develop intellectual property agreements that prevent scientific exploitation.
Measuring the Impact of Co-Created Science
Co-creation generates deep, qualitative impact that is often missed by standard bibliometrics. Evaluation systems should track community outcomes, including local policy changes, educational improvements, and environmental protections, rewarding researchers who build long-term trust-based partnerships.
Key Data and Comparative Metrics
| Engagement Level | Direction of Information Flow | Primary Goal | Typical Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissemination | One-way (Scientist to Public) | Inform and educate the public on scientific facts. | Public lectures, science journalism articles, science podcasts. |
| Consultation | Two-way (Dialogue and feedback) | Gather public perspectives on research directions. | Public town halls, focus groups, patient advisory panels. |
| Co-Creation | Multi-directional collaboration | Solve community-defined problems through shared science. | Participatory action research, community-led monitoring programs. |
Actionable Checklist for Public Engagement
- Involve community leaders in early project design and grant formulation phases.: Involve community leaders in early project design and grant formulation phases.
- Draft collaborative agreements detailing resource sharing and credit assignments.: Draft collaborative agreements detailing resource sharing and credit assignments.
- Design bilingual, culturally appropriate communication tools for participants.: Design bilingual, culturally appropriate communication tools for participants.
- Host public feedback sessions to share research findings with communities prior to publishing.: Host public feedback sessions to share research findings with communities prior to publishing.
- Recognize public engagement efforts in academic performance reviews.: Recognize public engagement efforts in academic performance reviews.