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Public Engagement

At the University of Derby, Public Engagement is about bringing people, communities and the University together to share knowledge, exchange ideas and create positive change.

Our staff and students work with communities, organisations and individuals locally, nationally and internationally, creating opportunities for people to participate in and shape our research, teaching and civic activity.

Public Engagement takes place across the University and is embedded through three interconnected areas: research, civic activity and teaching.

University of Derby researcher working in one of the labs.
Public Engagement through Research

Discover how our researchers work with communities and the public to develop, share and apply knowledge.

Confetti falling at S.H.E.D
Public Engagement through Civic activity

Explore how we work with communities and partners to create positive social, cultural and economic impact.

A session during the Learning and Teaching Conference.
Public Engagement through Teaching

Explore how students and academics work with external communities and organisations through learning, projects and knowledge exchange.

What is Public Engagement?

Public Engagement describes the many ways universities and the public interact, share knowledge and work together.

At Derby, this can include communities helping to shape research, academics sharing their expertise with wider audiences, students working on live projects with external organisations, public events and activities, collaborative projects and long-term partnerships.

The aim is not simply to communicate what the University is doing, but to create opportunities for meaningful two-way engagement that benefits both the University and the people and organisations we work with.

Public Engagement at Derby

Public Engagement takes many different forms across the University. Our activity can broadly be explored through three interconnected pathways.

A yellow and orange abstract background.

Research

Public Engagement helps our researchers involve wider communities in the development, delivery and sharing of research.

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Civic

We work with communities and partners to respond to challenges, create opportunities and generate positive impact across our city, county and beyond.

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Teaching

Public Engagement is also embedded in teaching and learning, giving students opportunities to use their knowledge and skills beyond the classroom.

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Research

Public Engagement helps our researchers involve wider communities in the development, delivery and sharing of research.

This can include co-produced research, public events, community-led projects, workshops, exhibitions, policy engagement and opportunities for people to contribute their experience and expertise.

Explore our research and discover how we manage our research.

 

Civic

As a Civic University, Derby works with communities and partners to respond to challenges, create opportunities and generate positive impact across our city, county and beyond.

Our civic activity brings together University expertise, students, community organisations, public bodies and other partners through projects, events, research and collaborative programmes.

You can explore our Civic activity, discover CivicLAB and read more about our Civic University Agreement.

 

 

Teaching

Public Engagement is also embedded in teaching and learning, giving students opportunities to use their knowledge and skills beyond the classroom.

This could include live briefs, community projects, placements, exhibitions, events, consultancy, research projects and other opportunities for students to collaborate with external organisations and communities.

Public Engagement in action

Public Engagement happens in many different ways across Derby. Explore some of the projects bringing our staff, students, communities and partners together.

A wooden shed set up as part of the S.H.E.D. project with a group of participants inside
S.H.E.D™

S.H.E.D is a research and innovation space that engages with lifelong learning, public engagement and teaching through creative industry and cultural practice.

an abstract projection
CivicLAB™

CivicLAB™ supports academics, students and the community to share insights on research and practice through a place-based approach to knowledge generation.

A group image of the Tutors Conference Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery
National Saturday Club

The University of Derby Saturday Club mornings are free for young people from Derby and Derbyshire. Youngsters of all abilities who have an interest in creative and artistic practice are welcome.

Members of the DICE network, stood in front of a presentation board.
DICE Network

DICE fosters a supportive culture for collaborative practice, knowledge exchange, public engagement, policy work, evaluation, and impact generation across the University.

A globe in a water droplet on a forest floor
Institute of Carbonomics

Our researchers in the Institute of Carbonomics have the potential to change the course of history by finding leaner, greener business models that facilitate growth.

People stood behind a gold Derby Uni sign.
Recognising Potential

Recognising Potential is the University of Derby's programme for young people who are interested in medicine and healthcare careers.

The impact of Public Engagement

Our approach to Public Engagement is focused on creating meaningful relationships and demonstrable impact.

Across the University, our teams work with communities and partners to develop projects that share knowledge, create opportunities and respond to real-world challenges.

Our partners and signatories

Our accreditations

As a result of this work, we have received a number of accreditations including: being awarded a Bronze Engagement Watermark from the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE), becoming a 2 star Fairtrade University, and being a Responsible Futures accredited institution.

Get involved

Whether you are a member of the public, community organisation, researcher, academic, student or potential partner, there are a number of ways to get involved with Public Engagement at Derby.

You might want to collaborate on a project, contribute to research, attend an event, work with our students or explore opportunities to develop something new together.

Collaborate with usGet involved with Public EngagementAttend an eventWork with our students

Latest Public Engagement news

university of derby representatives with colleagues at RMIT
International partnership agreement signed with global university to strengthen research collaboration

The University of Derby has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT).

Posted: 26 October 2026
University of Derby's Kedleston Road
Five Derby academics added to list of the world’s leading scientists

Five leading academics from the University of Derby have been added to a prestigious global list of the world’s top scientists for 2026.   

Posted: 23 October 2026
Lord Burlington and Susan Ambler
The Devonshire Group strengthens strategic partnership with renewal

The University of Derby has renewed its strategic partnership with The Devonshire Group, building on a successful relationship to create further opportunities and experiences for students, staff, visitors, and communities across the region.  

Posted: 21 October 2026
People stand in a line smiling
Derby in the spotlight at international conference for successful city-wide civic project

A successful city-wide initiative demonstrating how culture, education and civic engagement can work together to support lifelong learning was in the spotlight at an international conference.  

Posted: 6 October 2026
People are standing on the steps outside Windsor Castle
Derby-led network aims to turn ideas into action for communities across the UK

A new nationwide initiative designed to transform communities by bringing together public, academic and civic organisations has been launched at St George’s House, Windsor Castle.  

Posted: 8 September 2026

View all civic newsView all research news

Upcoming Public Engagement events

Banks Mill Open Studios - someone using a screen printer
exhibition
Banks Mill Open Studios

Visit Banks Mill during our winter Open Studios to meet over 50 artists, designers, makers and creative services businesses. 

Date and time:
Friday, 27 November 2026 -
Sunday, 29 November 2026
A group of business professionals in a meeting in a board room.
conference
Economic Review for Businesses - Big Trends, Local Impact: Autumn Budget Review 2026

The Event at a Glance: 08:30 - Registration and networking; Reflections on the Autumn budget one month on and the UK economy in Q3 (30min); The DIBS Top 200 businesses in Derby and Derbyshire: 2026 update (20-30min); A roundtable discussion with a panel of experts and businesses on the issues presented (45-50min); 11:00 - Close

Date and time:
Monday, 30 November 2026
08.30 - 11.00
A University civic event, with people smiling and picking up refreshments
open event
Civic Fund Holder Celebration

The Civic Fund Celebration Event will bring together partners, fund holders and colleagues to celebrate the achievements of projects supported through the University of Derby’s Civic and Community Seed Funding Programme.

Date and time:
Wednesday, 2 December 2026
10.00 - 13.00