What does public engagement look like during a time of lockdown and social distancing? Does it all have to take place online? In a guest blog for the NCCPE, David Owen reflects on how public engagement is being re-imagined and invites you to share your ideas.
“Researchers and public engagement professionals have been finding new ways of working and responding to the crisis. In the early phases of lockdown, there was much attention on the adoption of online technologies […] Several social commenters and researchers alike have suggested that the social distancing measures will exacerbate those already isolated and vulnerable. Clearly an over-reliance on online engagement will leave those without the means to engage with this content digitally with little or no opportunity to participate. […] So, what role is there for public and community engagement with research? Is it all going to be online from now on?”