Learn Together: Launch & Information Session

Interested in community engagement? Not sure where to start?

Research shows that while many university staff and students are keen to collaborate with underserved communities, they often lack the confidence or knowledge to do so effectively. In some cases, this knowledge-gap leads to harmful practices that erode relationships.

‘Learn Together’ is a new initiative designed to empower university staff and students to collaborate ethically with people who are typically underrepresented in research. From February to May 2026, four community organisations – each representing a different underserved group – will lead open workshops for everyone (all disciplines and career stages welcome) to listen and learn together about how to engage ethically with under-represented groups. The aim of these workshops will be to co-produce a new set of training materials aimed at researchers around ethical and inclusive community engagement. By participating in these workshops, you will be contributing to this important process and resource output.

To celebrate the launch of this programme, we’re hosting an event for staff and postgraduate researchers to share their experiences of community engagement, including any anxieties or barriers that may have limited to your participation. There are no right or wrong answers – we want to hear from you and learn what support is needed!.

We are delighted to be joined by a cross-College panel who will share their experiences of getting started with community engagement – what worked, what didn’t – with the opportunity to share your own thoughts and feedback. We will also share details of the upcoming Learn Together workshops and how to get involved.

PROGRAMME

09:30-10:00 - Tea and coffee on arrival

10:00-10:15 - Welcome

10:15-11:20 - Panel:

• Marie Bowers, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences
• Ria Dunkley, College of Social Sciences
• Sofiat Olaosebikan, College of Science and Engineering
• Soledad Montanez, College of Arts and Humanities

11:20-11:30 - Comfort break

11:30-12:00 - Learn Together: what is planned, and your feedback

12:00-12:30 - Networking in the atrium (optional)

Hosted by Zara Gladman (Public and Community Engagement Manager) and Ken Skeldon (University Research Engagement Manager), with the support of the Public and Community Engagement Group.

To sign up, please book your place on Eventbrite. Spaces are limited - if you book and later find you’re unable to attend, please cancel your ticket so someone else can take your place. Thank you for considering others.

The event will take place in the Seminar Suite of the Advanced Research Centre.

This initiative is funded by Glasgow Changing Futures.