Creative research communication

Aimed at researchers who want to engage the public with their work, as well as postgraduate students exploring practical research communication, this book offers a theoretically grounded introduction to a wide range of public engagement approaches. Organised into three sections, it first examines historical developments and current drivers for public engagement, including the increasing emphasis on inclusivity. The second section focuses on practical methods, from face-to-face communication in novel settings such as festivals to artistic approaches, digital tools, citizen science, and co-creation. Each chapter links practice to theory, addressing issues such as audience, interactivity, and impact. The final section considers the growing professionalism of the field, including ethics and the role of communication in creating research impact. The book concludes by highlighting the need to share the successes—and limitations—of new public engagement practices across wider communities, including practitioners.