Science Outreach, Community Engagement, and Communication

Public Engagement is a strategic focus area here at the University of Michigan, there is even a Michigan Public Engagement Framework which has been developed which includes 12 different public engagement domains. This guide is a bit less theoretical and a bit more focused on the nuts and bolts of engaging the public with science. With that in mind this guide has been split into three different sections: Outreach and Education, which talks about in-person engagement such as classroom visit, public lectures, and science museums; Science Communication, which covers both creating your own stories and working with the media; and Community and Governmental Engagement, which includes information for how to work with the local and federal government, take part in policy and advocacy, and collaborate with community groups.

Before going further though, a quick disclaimer about public engagement of all types. When you engage with the public you are representing your institution, as well as yourself, and there can be situations where it may be best to check-in with your institution, be it at a departmental, school, or higher level, before moving forward.