OVERVIEW
Join us for an engaging day of interactive workshops and hands-on activities, honing your public engagement skills, as well as learning how to embed EDI practices within your outreach activities. This one-day, in-person training aims to arm you with the tools, confidence, and practical know-how to engage the public with research in materials science and STEM fields in meaningful and inclusive ways.
This workshop is designed for those who are new to outreach and public engagement, as well as those looking to further develop and refine their skills. Topics will include the principles of outreach and public engagement, effective science communication, storytelling techniques, inclusive engagement strategies, and practical considerations for delivering impactful outreach.
The training day is free to attend, with lunch provided. Places are limited so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
DATE: 5th November 2026
TIME: 10:00-16:00
FORMAT: In-person
LOCATION: University of Oxford
BACKGROUND
Whether working in academia or pursuing other career paths, effective public engagement skills are just as important in navigating the steps beyond studies and throughout your career. This training day will therefore cover topics such as skills for employability, networking, and science communication. These topics have been specifically highlighted in this event as they are particularly underrepresented in education and can be applied in a plethora of situations, regardless of career path in STEM.
Hosted by Royce and led by Sarah Cosgriff, a trainer with extensive experience in science communication and public engagement, this interactive training day will help participants explore a range of public engagement approaches.
Participants will also engage with real outreach resources developed by the Royce team, considering how to adapt them for different audiences and environments, from schools to festivals to online platforms.
AUDIENCE
The training day is open to all UK Materials Science and Engineering PhD students, Postdoctoral Research Associates (PDRAs), Academic staff, Research Technical Professionals (RTPs), and Professional Services (PS) staff in STEM fields who are looking to develop their skills beyond the lab or office. It will benefit individuals at any stage in their career, whether you are just starting and are looking to improve your networking skills, or whether you are looking for extra skills to add to your CV. No prior outreach experience is required.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After the training, participants should have:
- Gained insight and confidence to use new tools to build networks and support career development
- Learned about effective techniques to portray their own research to a variety of audiences, including addressing potential barriers and creating a more inclusive environment
- Understand the value of outreach, not only for public benefit, but also for practicing those key soft skills
PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME
09:30-10:00 Arrival, Registration, and Refreshments
10:00-10:10 Welcome and Overview
10:10-11:25 Defining Public Engagement and Identifying Audiences
11:25-11:35 Break
11:35-12:30 Inclusivity and Storytelling
12:30-13:30 Lunch
13:30-14:30 Outreach Activity Showcase
14:30-14:30 Break
14:40-16:00 Effective Planning, Delivery of Outreach Activities, and Q&A
TRAINERS & ORGANISERS
- Sarah Cosgriff, Award-winning science communicator and specialist in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)
- Dr Tarek Haloubi, Student Engagement Manager, Henry Royce Institute
- Dr Ruby Morel, National Outreach Officer, Henry Royce Institute
EVENT LOCATION
Linacre College
University of Oxford
St. Cross Road, Oxford, OX1 3JA
ROYCE SUPPORT
This is a free training workshop run by the Henry Royce Institute. Travel and accommodation are not provided. Please contact outreach@royce.ac.uk if you have accessibility requirements or caring responsibilities that Royce might be able to assist with.
APPLICATIONS
Places are limited and will be allocated based on strength of application, relevance to the field, and interest in outreach. Apply via this form here.
Application deadline: 09:00 Monday 5th October 2026. Application outcomes will be released the week commencing the 12th October 2026.
November 5 2026
