Abstract

This presentation will explore what it takes to build and deliver an award-winning education and public engagement (EPE) programme. It will draw on recommendations from ADAPT’s “Outstanding” international review performance and the vast experience of the ADAPT EPE team, who recently won a Dublin City University President’s Staff Recognition Award.

ADAPT, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, is a leader in Education and Public Engagement with emerging STEM innovations.

ADAPT delivers an impactful EPE programme under the theme ‘Engaging in Our Digital World’. This programme emboldens the Irish public to: acquire the skills needed to engage fully in our rapidly-evolving digital landscape; develop an interest in, knowledge of, and appreciation for emerging AI innovations; and participate directly in ADAPT research.

Via a Pecha Kucha format, we will share our top tips for ensuring EPE excellence within your organisation. We will outline, for example, the importance of: having a clear and compelling vision; plotting your pathway to impact; ensuring close alignment of your EPE and research programmes; building a cohesive EPE framework; determining your flagship EPE initiatives; securing adequate resources; establishing mutually-beneficial networks and partnerships; monitoring and evaluating performance; and ensuring effective oversight.

Learning outcomes for session attendees will include:
● Improved awareness of the benefits of education and public engagement participation to researchers, research organisations, and external stakeholders
● Greater appreciation for the need to adopt a strategic approach - at an organisational level - to education and public engagement
● Insights into how to build an impactful education and public engagement strategy
● Better understanding of the need to resource education and public engagement appropriately, both through dedicated funding calls and including adequate budget ask in proposals for wider research funding calls.