IoPPN Research Culture Insights: Dr Leigh Wilson

Cultivating a Connected Research Culture: The Power of Public Engagement in Neuroscience

My years spent in the lab, peering at neurons down a microscope and trying to decode the mysteries of cerebellum development, coupled with my love of sharing my research with people beyond the lab, led me to my current role as Public Engagement Lead for the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology (CDN) and the MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, within the School of Neuroscience. The centres explore the mechanisms governing the formation and connectivity of the brain, both during embryonic development and in early postnatal life as well as the conditions that link to our understanding of neurodevelopment, such as autism and epilepsy.

As a neuroscientist turned public engagement specialist, I’ve experienced firsthand how meaningful interactions with communities, those living with the conditions we research, and interdisciplinary collaborations can transform research culture for the better. This blog explores some of the ways that engagement enriches neuroscience research culture, making it more impactful, inclusive, and rewarding for everyone involved.

What can public engagement look like?

Public involvement and engagement in neuroscience research take many forms. From co-designing studies with individuals who have lived experience and participating in public-facing events such as science festivals or patient advisory boards to media outreach, citizen science projects, partnerships with advocacy groups, and influencing policy through expert consultation. Digital engagement through social media, blogs, and podcasts also serves as a powerful tool for connecting researchers with the public, breaking down barriers between science and society, and ensuring that neuroscience remains accessible, transparent, inclusive, and responsive to real-world needs.

Participatory engagement, which incorporates the perspectives of those directly affected by neurological conditions, co-creates and promotes research that is more relevant and ethically grounded. This was certainly the impact following a recent engagement project, ‘Sunnydown Synaptic’ which brought together neuroscientists from the CDN, electronic engineering and visual arts experts for a series of workshops with young people with autism from Sunnydown School. Capturing the unique perspectives and experiences of students through their own exploration of brain anatomy, cell connections and circuitry using sculpture, movement, collage, robotics and lasers, allowed us to discover the priorities and perspectives of these young people through equitable co-creation of a project.

The benefits of public engagement

Something that I have experienced through this, and similar projects is that these connections with wider communities, gives researchers an increased recognition, context and appreciation for their work. This value that they feel and the sense that they are making a tangible difference within society is a positive boost to motivation and job satisfaction.

Engagement also helps combat the isolation that neuroscientists can sometimes experience, especially in highly specialized fields where many hours alone on a microscope or doing data analysis can lead to feelings of loneliness or disconnection. By fostering meaningful interactions with neuroscientist colleagues, collaborators, and the public, researchers can develop a stronger sense of belonging and purpose. Working with individuals with lived experience also provides opportunities for neuroscientists to see (and feel) the impact of their research, reinforcing the importance of their contributions to society. The skills that we develop through engagement activities are the same essential skills of communication and collaboration that we need in research and can build confidence in every part of our work.

The links between public engagement, EDI, and open research

As well as the benefits to researcher well-being and job satisfaction, engagement plays a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and diversity within the research environment. By actively involving underrepresented and minoritised groups in neuroscience research, institutions can create more equitable and inclusive spaces. This can be achieved through participatory research methods that include diverse voices, perspectives, and lived experiences in the research process. Engaging with diverse audiences helps neuroscientists challenge biases in their work, leading to more representative and ethically sound findings. Outreach initiatives can also seek to create a welcoming, inclusive and transparent window into the world of research and higher education, something that the programme I lead and cherish, the Dev Neuro Academy widening participation initiative strives to achieve.

Work with patient advocacy groups and citizen science projects ensure that diverse voices are heard as respected, equal and valuable partners in research efforts, fostering a sense of ownership and trust. Directly involving people with lived experience in shaping research agendas, this ensures that needs and priorities are reflected in scientific investigations.

Importantly, engagement values align perfectly with the principles of open science which advocate for the free exchange of neuroscience knowledge and data. When researchers share their findings through open-access publications, public talks, and online platforms, they contribute to a more transparent and collaborative research environment. The promotion of knowledge sharing within, and beyond, academic circles, ensures that neuroscience research is not confined to paywalled journals or specialist conferences, and encourages and drives interdisciplinary collaboration and discovery.

An IoPPN call to action

This is no doubt that a thriving neuroscience research culture is one that embraces engagement at all levels; It enhances research impact, fosters inclusivity, strengthens good research practice, and improves researcher well-being. By opening our labs, minds, and discussions to the wider world, we create opportunities for meaningful collaboration, ensure research remains relevant to societal needs, and build greater trust between scientists and the communities we serve.

By prioritizing engagement, the IoPPN can create a more dynamic, ethical, and socially responsive culture that benefits both researchers and society. Surely this is an important, fulfilling and winning formula for all.

This blog is part of a ongoing series looking at research culture at IoPPN. If you would be interested in contributing, please contact aneita.pringle@kcl.ac.uk.