Introduction to public engagement

Public Engagement at the MRC LMS

The MRC LMS has a long history of developing and delivering public engagement with science projects from comic books and school workshops to arts collaborations, science festivals and Biomedical Picture of the Day (BPoD).

The importance of engagement to the institute is illustrated by its dedicated team (GECo- Grants Engagement and Communications) and inclusion in the scientific mission “to enhance the public’s interest, understanding and trust in Science.

In this section of the website you can find out more about our:

What is public engagement?

There are many forms of engagement and communication. At MRC LMS engagement and communication may be developed as part of a research grant, to highlight particular aspects of the research, diversity, achievement or activity of the Institute, to engage with or be informed by a specific audience or stakeholder such as sharing scientific expertise to inform policy makers. We follow the Public Engagement definition from National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) detailed below.

“Public engagement describes the myriad of ways in which the activity and benefits of higher education and research can be shared with the public. Engagement is by definition a two-way process, involving interaction and listening, with the goal of generating mutual benefit.”

Working in partnership

The MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences is a core research institute of the Medical Research Council hosted at Imperial College London Hammersmith Hospital campus. Due to these two long established partnerships the engagement team work with colleagues at Imperial College London and the Medical Research Council on engagement projects, training and supporting researcher involvement.

Meet the team

The engagement team (GECo) is composed of two full time staff who work across the Institute’s engagement and communications remit. The team support researchers to develop and deliver engagement and communications, alongside support in development of grants and partnerships. The team are also able to identify strategic opportunities for engagement and partnership and work with colleagues to develop these opportunities.

  • Dr Lindsay Keith, Head of Communications and Engagement
  • Rachel Dimond, Digital Communications, Events and Engagement Manager
  • Sofia Velazquez Pimentel, Science Communications Officer
  • Jianyi Nie, Science Communications Officer

If you have an engagement idea, are an audience or organisation interested in working with us, or want to find out more about our projects or research get in contact with us via .