Public Engagement Fund Showcase

Discover the 2025–26 Public Engagement Fund Projects

Join us for an engaging and informative and interactive webinar showcasing the five innovative projects supported through the 2025–26 Public Engagement Fund from Research Data Scotland. This online session will give attendees a first look at what each project aimed to achieve, how they brought people and data together, and the creative ways they are involving communities across Scotland. After the presentations, participants will be invited into breakout rooms to discuss the projects with the leads.

During the webinar, representatives from each funded project will share insights into their work, what participants gained from taking part, and how their initiatives are helping broaden public understanding of data research:

• Digging into Data: Data Journalism for Community Reporters
  Led by Greater Govanhill CIC
  Learn how community reporters are being equipped with data journalism skills to investigate local issues and tell impactful stories in a community-run magazine.
• Data Conversations: What Do We Really Mean by Data?
  Led by The SCONe Project, University of Edinburgh
  Explore how researchers are breaking down complex data concepts into relatable, real‑world examples to help the public, across generations, think deeply about how health data is—or isn’t—used in research.
• Sibling Data Cafés for Care Experienced People
  Led by Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh
  Learn about how this project opened dialogue between care-experienced people and data researchers using new insights into sibling relationships within the care system.
• Using LEGO® to Discuss Data Science with the Polish Community
  Led by University of Stirling
  Discover a unique approach to data engagement that uses LEGO® to bridge language barriers and spark conversations about data science with members of the Polish community in Aberdeen.
• Why Big Data Matters
  Led by Generation Scotland
  Hear how Scotland’s largest family health study developed new resources with schools and teachers to help young people better understand health data research and why it matters.

Whether you are a researcher, community organisation, public engagement professional, or simply curious about data and public engagement, this webinar will offer valuable insight into the creative, people‑centred projects shaping Scotland’s data landscape. Don’t miss the chance to hear directly from the teams leading this exciting work and have a chat with each of the fantastic projects we funded.