Award recognises University’s commitment to public engagement

Cardiff University’s work to bring its research to a wide range of communities has been recognised with a prestigious award.

The National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) Engage Watermark is a charter mark awarded to universities for excellence in their support and practice of public engagement.

Cardiff University has been awarded a Silver Watermark, following a rigorous assessment process, involving staff from across in the institution, and partner organisations working with them.

Professor Roger Whitaker, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research Innovation and Enterprise at Cardiff University, said: “This award is a demonstration of our strong commitment to the communities that we serve. I am grateful to all members of staff and students who have contributed to this significant achievement.  It is great to see the University recognised for developing and nurturing public engagement.

“Making higher education and academic research accessible and relevant to our diverse communities is at the heart of our strategy and ensures our expertise is having a tangible impact on those living in Wales and beyond. We look forward to building on this recognition further, so that we can continue to benefit all aspects of society.”

Cardiff University supports a wide range of initiatives which are making a difference across Wales and further afield. They include the development of new resources to support humour and play in schools, work with children and educators to help pupils get the very best from their time at school and a project using the  arts and science to raise public awareness to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Sophie Duncan, Co-Director of the NCCPE said: “We are delighted to award Cardiff University a Silver Watermark. The first Welsh university to receive this prestigious award, Cardiff University demonstrated a strong commitment to civic engagement and evidenced how public and community engagement are at the core of how it delivers on its civic responsibilities.

“With rich practices of engagement across the institution, commitment from senior leaders, and sustainable, strategic partnerships that successfully support long-term activity, the university has strong foundations to build on.”

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UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the national funding agency supporting research and knowledge exchange, recently launched its public engagement strategy, highlighting its commitment to breaking down the barriers between research, innovation and society.