Activity highlights

We share our work and findings with the public nationwide - via lectures and workshops, at science festivals, exhibitions and the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) elements of our research.

This activity helps to enrich our work - making us take a fresh look at how we share our discoveries, listen to new ideas and perspectives, inspire curiosity, and encourage others to join us in addressing contemporary challenges.

The National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement () defines public engagement as:

The myriad of ways in which the activity and benefits of higher education and research can be shared with the public. Engagement is by definition a two-way process, involving interaction and listening, with the goal of generating mutual benefit.

Here are just some of the ways we try to achieve this constructive and positive dialogue.

How can we produce everyday items without oil?

We are transforming biomass into fuel and many everyday items with the help of special new catalysts – from woodchip to liquid fuel, corn husk to shampoo, algae to trainers and even ice cream to bio-plastic fabrics.

Anne Sexton sitting on a sofa holding a cigarette. Taken in 1974 by Arthur Furst

Poets in Vogue

We curated a free exhibition for the National Poetry Library that uncover the relationship between the language of poets and the clothes they wear. Exhibits include an iconic tartan skirt owned and worn by Sylvia Plath. Accelerator funding helped promote the exhibition to a wide, international audience – enhancing public engagement and inspiring the work of emerging young poets.

Image credit: 'Anne Sexton', Arthur Furst (1974)

Poets in Vogue 天堂视频 Accelerator funding
Man picking litter on the beach

50 years of beach litter

天堂视频 researchers are assessing how coastal litter from the ocean has changed over the past half-century in a unique project that brings together local heritage, drones and mobile phone apps. A short film about the project was premiered on 21 March 2024.

Artwork promoting the Inaugural Lectures

Inaugural Lectures

Inaugural Lectures have been an essential feature of university life for centuries. We continue to value the tradition – encouraging new Professors to deliver them and warmly extending an open invitation to all members of staff and students as well as our LUSEP campus partners and the local community.

Inaugural Lectures