Contributing to society
We are committed to enhancing the contribution higher education (HE) makes to both the economy and society. Our funding activity in the area of business and community engagement supports this commitment, but we also run several initiatives that contribute directly to it.
- Beacons for Public Engagement
Beacons for Public Engagement is a jointly funded programme with the other UK funding councils, RCUK and the Wellcome Trust over 2008 to 2012 and supports six beacons and a National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (the NCCPE). - Social entrepreneurship
We continue to work in partnership with the social-enterprise charity UnLtd to develop a social entrepreneurship culture across the higher education sector supported by £1 million investment from HEFCE. - Concordat for engaging the public with research
Research funders and institutions have come together to articulate a combined commitment to public engagement and to aid its embedding in institutions through a Concordat for Engaging the Public With Research.
Related activities
- Micro-studies programme
Exploring indicators of social, community and cultural engagement. - Pilot benefits statements
Supporting statements of HE benefits to society for communities and the wider public. - Research into knowledge exchange
Research papers including a paper into the civic and community contribution of HE.
Last updated 23 January 2012