Bridging the gap between academia and local communities

Academia has long been seen as an insular world of inaccessible language and limited public engagement, with universities perceived as places of power that are disconnected from the local community. However, many institutions are now prioritising public engagement, and communicating the benefits that research brings to wider society. 

One of the most effective ways to bridge the gap between the university campus and the public is through hands-on events that make research accessible, relevant and engaging. Bringing together researchers, students and local organisations, such initiatives foster dialogue, inspire future generations to consider higher education and encourage lifelong learning. Events such as Oxford Brookes University’s Science Bazaar exemplify how universities can open their doors and make research more accessible to the public. 

The bazaar, which has been running since 2008, turns the university into a hub of discovery and innovation for children aged five to 16. Interactive activities this year included drone-piloting sessions, Lego engineering challenges, virtual reality simulations, and science demonstrations of explosions. Among the external facilitators were a theatre company and comic book artist (see below), who helped translate complex research into engaging experiences for audiences of all ages. 

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• Encouragement and talent development for future scientists
• When engaging young people in participatory research, trust is key

Linking academics with creative facilitators, who bring specialist expertise, makes abstract academic research more tangible and memorable.

“The experience opened my eyes to new and creative ways of sharing my research, making it more engaging and accessible to the public. It’s a method I’ll continue exploring,” said Shelly Coe, a senior lecturer in nutrition at Oxford Brookes, of her experience of partnering with Human Story Theatre.  

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One of the most powerful ways academia can engage with the public is through co-production, where research is conducted in collaboration with the very people it seeks to impact. This approach ensures that research is not only relevant but also deeply rooted in community needs. Universities are increasingly working with local groups, charities and businesses to tackle real-world challenges, whether in public health, environmental sustainability or social justice.

The science bazaar’s collaboration with Autism Oxford is a prime example of this approach in action. Oxford Brookes is the only university we are aware of that offers an autism-friendly early opening for such an event. This initiative, and training academics and student facilitators in inclusive engagement practices, helps ensure that everyone, regardless of their needs, can participate in the event. Crucially, this quieter session is shaped by the guidance of those with lived experience, ensuring that accessibility measures are not just well intentioned but effective. 

A key priority of the bazaar is ensuring that the event is free and accessible to all. By removing financial barriers, Oxford Brookes enables families from diverse backgrounds to participate in the event and engage with cutting-edge research. Rather than focusing solely on STEM, Oxford Brookes embraces a STEAMS (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and social sciences) approach that incorporates arts in the mix. This integrates creativity and critical thinking, making scientific concepts more relatable, fostering interdisciplinary engagement, and broadening the scope of learning. 

Public engagement can be extended beyond a single day of activities. Learning resources – such as live-streamed lectures, online workshops and interactive webinars – allow families and educators to continue exploring scientific concepts long after the event has ended. This long-term university-community engagement fosters genuine understanding and inspiration. 

Students are also active participants in community engagement. At the bazaar, undergraduate and postgraduate students lead workshops, engage with young attendees, and translate complex scientific concepts into fun and understandable activities. By involving students in such experiences, universities help them develop essential skills in communication, collaboration and public speaking, while also fostering a sense of social responsibility.

Public-facing events demonstrate that universities are more than centres of learning and research, they are key contributors to the social, cultural and economic development of their local regions. Institutions that successfully integrate public engagement into their core mission will not only enrich their research and teaching but also contribute to stronger, more informed and better-connected communities. The science bazaar is a model of how to bring research to life and show that academia is not an inaccessible ivory tower. It is also about sharing its knowledge in ways that inspire, educate and empower society.

Ellie-May Beaman is a public and community engagement coordinator at Oxford Brookes University.

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