This workshop, jointly led with our creative partner Luna 9 and hosted at CaSE member Ulster University, marks the first step in our efforts to translate the findings of our recent audience research into practice.

Advocates for research and innovation – CaSE included – have a responsibility to make a clear and compelling case for R&D being a national priority, especially at a time when public finances are tight.

For the past year, the Discovery Decade team has been generating data on different audiences’ opinions on R&D, to create an evidence base from which to start.

Discussions centred on making R&D accessible and relevant, and how to convey it as a source of opportunity. Participants recognised the need to tackle the idea that the only way into research is through traditional academic career routes, to engage more people with the research happening on their doorsteps, and to do more to demonstrate R&D’s relevance to different audiences. The group identified opportunities to highlight education and support greater democratic involvement.

Participants also emphasised the need for action-led collaboration between policy and engagement teams across organisations, and we are excited to see how the ideas generated at the workshop will be brought to life by Luna 9 and then taken forward by the group.

A further three workshops will be held across the UK over coming months as part of the first wave of this work, and we welcome discussions from those who would be interested in contributing. Meanwhile, we will be producing a campaign toolkit with best practice guidance for engaging different audiences to help everyone build the findings into their own work where they can.