BU Research Blog

Recently, I have read a highly thought provoking chapter by Professor Rosalind Gill (Professor of Social and Cultural Analysis at Kings College London), titled: Breaking the silence: the hidden injuries of neo-liberal academia. A copy of the article and full citation details can be found here.

The introduction to this chapter features excerpts of transcripts from academics drowning under the volume of e-mail, feeling hugely dejected owing to critical commentary from referees or struggling to balance work and family commitments. Gill’s research explores what she describes as the ‘secrets and silences of academic life’ and argues that academia represents an ‘excellent example of neoliberalisation of the workplace’ and that academics are ‘in many ways, model neoliberal subjects’, which in-turn has a high cost for those involved and an experience which is ‘gendered, racialised and classed’.

Not every reader would concur with Gill’s account, however, what the article does allow us to do is to consider the impacts that the competing pressures of academic life has on individuals and the broader research community in which they are situated.

But what has got this got to do with public engagement? On reading the article, I was reminded of conversations I have had with many about being feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of competing, yet essential, activities. For many, the increasing noise around public engagement is just another task to add to the ‘To-Do’ list, to be placed firmly below writing for peer reviewed activities, funding applications and teaching.

However, perhaps we need to think about public engagement as a way of enhancing your working life, rather than adding an additional burden. Public engagement activities are too often seen as a one way process similar to dissemination, without considering the benefits that public engagement has for the individual researcher. For example, one such benefit can be an increased sense that your research matters in society or that the insights you are developing are of interest to a much wider audience. Engaging with a wider public can also provide fresh perspective at a time when you are looking for fresh inspiration, such as responding to critical commentary or ensuring originality in your funding applications.

In order to maximise the mutual benefits of public engagement, BU has a dedicated Research Development Officer for Public Engagement, so please do not hesitate to contact Becca on redwards@bournemouth.ac.uk / 01202 961206 if you would think to discuss how you can develop public engagement activities around your research.