PEARL – or Public Engagement for All with Research at Lincoln – held its second annual conference on Wednesday, coinciding with the launch of its new website.
Sarah Harris, PEARL research assistant and one of the architects of the event, said: “We are delighted to have run a second successful PEARL Conference – it was fantastic seeing speakers and contributors from so many different backgrounds, stages and activities share and celebrate the outstanding range of public engagement with research activities that take place at the University of Lincoln.
“Many staff and students carry out fantastic activities and projects that invite the public to consult on, develops, learn from and share in their research.
“This shapes research to ensure we are asking the right questions, ensures new knowledge is shared, inspires new partnerships, projects and questions, and much more.”
The event showcased 12 speakers in a 10-minute rapid-fire research presentation that staff, students and collaborators had conducted with the public.
Topics ranged from Agri-forest, RAF 100 Augmented reality, 1960s English council estates, sustainability of pubs in rural communities, and the experiences of gender stereotyping.
Professor Carenza Lewis, known for her appearance on Channel 4’s Time Team and now Professor for the Public Understanding of Research at Lincoln, announced the 11 new projects for this year’s public engagement research. These include dog ownership, languages in Lincoln, air quality issues on school runs and climate change on the River Witham.
At the end was a further opportunity to showcase current projects, ask questions, network and discuss public engagement with research at Lincoln. “Seeing so many staff and students in animated conversation during in the poster and wine reception was very exciting for us and we hope it offered a chance for staff and students to discuss ideas, be inspired and potentially join up on projects or create new partnerships,” said Ms Harris.
