Dr Helen Featherstone

Project Manager (Public Engagement)

Role

Helen is as a key coordinating point for academics involved in Public Engagement with Research (PER) across the University of Exeter.  

As project manager of the Exeter Catalyst, Helen will bring researchers together to build on existing PER practice within the University of Exeter while bringing in external partners to share knowledge and learning about PER.

The Research Councils UK funded Catalyst project will raise the profile of, and develop a culture of, PER as an integral aspect of high quality research.

The Public Engagement Network will facilitate skills-sharing across the university, generate new knowledge of PER, and be a route for the latest information on continuing professional development and funding opportunities. As an externally facing group, the network will also contribute to national policies relating to PER.

Profile

Helen has an extensive career in practice, teaching and research into Public Engagement with Research. She has been responsible for developing, delivering and evaluating a wide range of PER activities with a particular focus on direct and interactive engagement.

Helen’s research interests lie in understanding the publics’ roles in Public Engagement with Research activities. Her PhD research addressed public engagement with climate change.

In both her research and practice Helen takes great inspiration from working in an interdisciplinary manner. She has worked with puppeteers, designers, policy informers, media professionals, illustrators, museum directors, and games designers as well as researchers across many disciplines.

Alongside her practice and research profile, Helen enjoys developing PE skills in others. She teaches on the MSc Science Communication at the University of the West of England, regularly runs training courses for the Natural Environment Research Council.

Since 2009, Helen has chaired the Visitor Studies Group.

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