UKRI Launches Ambitious Six-Year Programme to Foster Public Engagement with Research and Innovation

The United Kingdom’s landscape of research and innovation is set to undergo a significant transformation with the launch of a comprehensive six-year programme by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). This landmark initiative is strategically designed to empower the public, particularly young people and underrepresented communities, to actively engage with and influence the direction of scientific discovery and technological advancement. The programme, a cornerstone of UKRI’s commitment to public participation, aims to bridge the perceived gap between cutting-edge research and the everyday lives of citizens, fostering a more inclusive and informed society.

A Strategic Vision for Public Involvement

At its core, the six-year programme represents a profound investment in democratising access to and understanding of research and innovation. UKRI, the national funding body for research and innovation, recognises that the future trajectory of scientific progress is intrinsically linked to public trust, engagement, and co-creation. This initiative is not merely about disseminating information; it is about cultivating a dynamic ecosystem where diverse voices can contribute to shaping research priorities and the ethical considerations surrounding new technologies.

The programme’s strategic objectives are multifaceted, focusing on:

• Empowering Underrepresented Groups: A primary emphasis will be placed on engaging young people and communities that have historically been on the periphery of research and innovation discussions. This includes individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, geographical locations, and ethnic groups, ensuring that a broader spectrum of perspectives informs the national research agenda.
• Facilitating Meaningful Dialogue: The programme will establish platforms for open and honest conversations between researchers, innovators, and the public. These dialogues are intended to move beyond superficial engagement, encouraging critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by research and innovation.
• Informing Policy and Strategy: The insights gleaned from public engagement activities will directly inform UKRI’s strategic decision-making. By understanding public concerns, aspirations, and priorities, UKRI can better align its funding and support mechanisms with societal needs and values.
• Celebrating Research Impact: The initiative will actively showcase the tangible benefits of research and innovation, highlighting how these advancements contribute to improving lives, strengthening communities, and fostering economic prosperity across the UK.

Delivering a Collaborative and Inclusive Approach

The responsibility for delivering this ambitious programme has been entrusted to the British Science Association (BSA), a renowned organisation with a long-standing track record of fostering public engagement with science. The BSA will collaborate with a wide array of organisations from across the UK’s research engagement sector, creating a robust network of expertise and reach. This collaborative model ensures that the programme benefits from diverse experiences and perspectives, enabling it to resonate with a broad audience.

Financial Commitment to Local Engagement

Underscoring its commitment, UKRI is allocating a substantial £2.7 million in grant funding to support schools and local communities in their engagement activities over the next six years. This financial injection is crucial for enabling grassroots initiatives, empowering local champions, and ensuring that the programme’s impact is felt at the community level.

The grant funding will be instrumental in supporting a range of activities, including:

• Development and Delivery of Engagement Programmes: Providing resources for schools and community groups to design and implement their own research and innovation engagement initiatives tailored to their specific contexts.
• Capacity Building for Educators and Community Leaders: Offering training and professional development opportunities for those who will be at the forefront of delivering engagement activities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to effectively connect their communities with research.
• Creation of Accessible Resources and Tools: Supporting the development of educational materials, digital platforms, and interactive resources that make research and innovation more understandable and engaging for diverse audiences.
• Facilitating Networking and Knowledge Exchange: Creating opportunities for schools, community groups, researchers, and innovators to connect, share best practices, and collaborate on projects.

This financial commitment reflects UKRI’s understanding that sustained and impactful public engagement requires adequate resources and dedicated support at the local level.

Hearing the Voices of the Future: Dialogues on Artificial Intelligence and Beyond

A pivotal component of the programme will be a series of nationwide dialogues designed to elicit the perspectives of young people on critical issues related to research and innovation. These dialogues will provide a direct channel for young individuals to express their views, concerns, and aspirations, offering invaluable insights into their understanding and expectations of scientific progress.

The inaugural dialogue is set to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. This timely focus will allow young people to articulate their experiences, apprehensions, and hopes regarding AI’s integration into their learning environments. Such discussions are vital, especially as AI technologies continue to permeate various sectors of society, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and complex ethical dilemmas. Understanding young people’s nuanced views on AI in education can inform the development of responsible AI deployment strategies and shape educational policies that prioritise student well-being and equitable access to technology.

Informing the National Research Agenda

The qualitative and quantitative data gathered from these dialogues, alongside other public engagement activities, will significantly enhance UKRI’s understanding of public attitudes towards emerging technologies. This deeper insight will be crucial for informing UKRI’s broader strategic planning, ensuring that its investments and priorities are aligned with societal values and public expectations. By actively listening to what people care about, UKRI can foster research and innovation that is not only scientifically sound but also socially relevant and ethically responsible.

The wider celebration, integral to the programme, will serve as a vibrant showcase of the UK’s research and innovation ecosystem. It will feature a diverse array of researchers, innovators, and research-inspired activities from across the nation. The goal is to demystify the world of research, making it accessible and relatable to people from all walks of life. By highlighting the practical applications and societal benefits of research, the celebration aims to spark curiosity, inspire future generations of scientists and innovators, and foster a greater appreciation for the transformative power of knowledge.

Applications for the initial funding opportunities are now open, with activities scheduled to commence in 2027 and continue throughout the six-year duration of the programme. This phased approach allows for iterative development and continuous learning, ensuring the programme remains dynamic and responsive to evolving needs and insights.

Shaping Future Conversations: Official Statements

Poli Stuart-Lacey, Chief of External Affairs, Communications and Public Engagement at UKRI, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “We are looking forward to working with the British Science Association and partners on this important programme. We know from UKRI’s Public Attitudes to Science survey and other studies that while people have high levels of trust in researchers, many simply do not see how research and innovation connects to their everyday lives. This new UK-wide celebration will help bridge that gap and strengthen those connections by creating opportunities for people across the UK to explore, discuss and engage with research and innovation, and the people behind it. It will also ensure that the views of young people and communities help shape conversations about research and innovation and its future.”

This statement underscores UKRI’s recognition of a persistent challenge in science communication: the perceived disconnect between the abstract nature of research and its tangible impact on individuals. The programme is explicitly designed to address this by creating relatable experiences and fostering direct interaction.

Hannah Russell, Chief Executive of the British Science Association, echoed this sentiment, expressing her organisation’s delight at being selected to lead the programme: “We are delighted that the British Science Association has been selected to deliver this ambitious new programme to engage people across the UK with research and innovation. This programme builds on our long track record of creating meaningful connections between society and research and innovation, convening stakeholders and creating the conditions for people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in, influence and benefit from science and research. We look forward to working in close partnership with UKRI and a wide network of organisations to deliver a programme that is inclusive, collaborative and impactful over the next six years.”

The BSA’s extensive experience in public engagement, science festivals, and educational outreach positions it as an ideal partner to implement such a large-scale and multifaceted programme. Their emphasis on inclusivity and collaboration suggests a commitment to ensuring that the programme reaches diverse audiences and fosters genuine dialogue.

Broader Impact and Implications

The implications of this six-year programme extend far beyond immediate engagement activities. By embedding public participation into the fabric of UKRI’s strategy, the initiative signals a paradigm shift in how research and innovation are perceived and conducted in the UK.

• Enhanced Public Trust and Understanding: Increased engagement can lead to greater public trust in scientific endeavours and a more nuanced understanding of the complexities and ethical considerations involved in research and innovation. This, in turn, can foster greater societal acceptance of new technologies and research findings.
• More Relevant and Impactful Research: When the public has a voice in shaping research priorities, the resulting research is more likely to address societal needs and have a greater positive impact. This can lead to more targeted investments and a more efficient allocation of resources.
• Informed Policymaking: By providing evidence-based insights into public perspectives, the programme can inform the development of more effective and publicly supported policies related to science, technology, and innovation.
• Inspiration for Future Generations: Exposing young people to research and innovation in accessible and engaging ways can inspire them to pursue careers in STEM fields, ensuring a pipeline of future talent for the UK’s research and innovation sectors.
• Strengthened Democratic Values: By empowering citizens to engage with and influence areas that shape their future, the programme reinforces democratic principles and fosters a more engaged and informed citizenry.

The £2.7 million allocated for grant funding is a significant investment that will empower local organisations to become active participants in this national effort. This decentralised approach is crucial for ensuring that the programme’s impact is widespread and tailored to the unique contexts of different communities across the UK. The focus on underrepresented groups, including young people, is particularly vital in addressing historical inequalities and ensuring that the benefits of research and innovation are shared equitably.

The launch of this six-year programme by UKRI, in partnership with the British Science Association, marks a critical moment for public engagement with research and innovation in the United Kingdom. By prioritising dialogue, inclusivity, and tangible impact, the initiative holds the potential to forge stronger connections between the scientific community and the public, ultimately shaping a future where research and innovation serve the collective good and are guided by the voices of all. The initial dialogues, focusing on AI in education, will provide a crucial early indicator of the programme’s ability to foster meaningful conversations and gather valuable insights that will inform UKRI’s broader strategies for years to come. The success of this ambitious undertaking will be measured not only by the number of events held or participants engaged, but by the lasting impact it has on public perception, research direction, and the equitable advancement of science and innovation across the nation.