Case Studies | Public Engagement | University of Exeter

Case Studies

Curious about public engagement at Exeter? Our case studies highlight stories of the diverse engagement and research taking place across our campuses and beyond. Check out our Funding page for information about recently funded projects.

Take a look at the examples of our engagement below, ranging from bilateral co-production, collaboration, and consultation methods, to more unilateral dissemination, informational, inspirational ones.

Co-Production Oracle

The focus of Hannah Mumby's creative residency with the GSI in 2022 was to speak to the community and produce a toolkit that could help people understand and foster a culture of co-production. She produced the Co-Production Oracle, a deck of 30 cards which can be used by groups or individuals to create a space to think and reflect.

Sex and Nature Salon

Creative fellow Siân Docksey collaborated with Dr. Ina Linge and researchers from The Sexual Knowledge Unit to devise The Sex and Nature Salon. Through a series of experimental online events, the Salon brought together comedians, researchers, academics, artists, and others curious to discuss themes relating to the fellowship.

Tidelines

Tidelines CIC brings together the arts, science, climate action, and research by working with communities and the public. Through its projects, Tidelines has created ways to celebrate and care for the Exe estuary, by adapting and responding collectively to the impacts of climate change on the local coastline and waterways.

Local Climate Adaptation Tool

The LCAT brings together climate models, adaptation options, and health impact evidence to help understand the local health implications of climate change. It is being co-developed with, and for, local authorities and local service providers.

Our Body is a Planet

Our Body is a Planet is an art/science collaboration between Léonie Hampton of Still/Moving and scientists at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology. The short film challenges the way we think of ourselves as individual genetically prescribed entities, and explores the relationships we have with our bodily fungi and bacteria.

Citizen Phage Library

Ben Temperton's team worked with Exeter Science Centre to run a citizen science project on phage therapy. The citizen 'phage hunters' collected water samples which have been screened in the lab for phages - viruses that kill bacteria. These phages are stored in the Citizen Phage Library and will be used to tackle antibiotic resistant bacteria.

"This has been really helpful, both in relation to the materials you have shared, but also to know a bit more about your role as well. I've just started at the University and the role I am in has a big co-production element. I have not done many co-production evaluations so it was really helpful to hear about that."

Dr. Sabrina Meechem

Research Fellow