Public engagement with research

Collaborating with communities

We believe that research works best when researchers and communities learn from each other, work together, and share ideas. This helps to make sure the research matters and benefits everyone. 

Our Public Engagement team helps researchers to involve the public, communities and partners in open, fair, and respectful ways. 

We also run public events and activities through our Be Curious programme.  

We are a Child Friendly Leeds Ambassador and support Leeds City Council to make Leeds the best city for children and young people to grow up in. 

University Staff Sharepoint site

If you are a member of staff, find out how we can support you with public engagement, from initial ideas through to evaluation. (University login required).

How you can get involved

  • Be Curious

    Be Curious is the University of Leeds’ open day for families which brings research to life through hands-on activities, interactive experiments and eye-opening discoveries.

    A child holding coloured pens at Be Curious 2020

Learn more about our work

  • Research Journeys

    What’s it like to be a researcher? Read stories from our staff and postgraduate researchers.

    A researcher in a lab coat working with test tubes and machinery in a lab

  • Participatory Research Projects

    Read about participatory and co-produced research projects, funded through the Research England Participatory Research Fund.

    Three people sat at a large desk, discussing some bright printed materials spread out in front of them.

  • That’s Amazing, Mum!

    Find out how an inter-departmental team translated the complex world of materials sciences into a children’s STEM storybook.

    That's Amazing Mum book cover. A dad looks at his wife as their daughter stands behind them.

  • Manifesto for Public Engagement

    The University of Leeds has promised to involve the public in research in open and meaningful ways. Read about why we signed the Manifesto for Public Engagement.

    A boy holding a circuit board which features an LED display.

  • Open Research Hub

    Public engagement plays a key role in the University of Leeds’ Open Research practices, which aim to make research data, methods, and findings accessible to enhance transparency, collaboration, and equity.

    An aerial shot of the Leeds University campus, with the Parkinson Building at the front. March 2020