SEP-Net

The Societal Engagement Postgrad Network (SEP-Net) is for Heriot-Watt researchers and professional services staff, from PhD students and Postdocs to Professors and technicians, who have an interest in societal and public engagement The provision of an informal networking space for researchers to meet and discuss ongoing activities, and ask questions with experts across various fields, is a core part of the SEP-Net sessions.  

As we adapt to the pandemic and the changes it has brought to all our lives, it is now more vital than ever to explore and showcase opportunities for students and researchers to engage directly with the public. The post-pandemic transition also presents exciting opportunities for broadening our communities. Whether the topic is Geoscience or robotics, enabling conversation is crucial in building supportive and engaged relationships across the research sphere and society. 

The SEP-Net programme encompasses a range of expert guests and Public Engagement champions, to celebrate meaningful engagement and further researcher's awareness. As well as introducing various avenues for high quality and meaningful engagement, we hope to create a network for everyone to share ideas, learn from one another and gain inspiration for their own research and experiments. 

We run informal sessions monthly with each session themed - these have included sessions such as an introduction to the Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas (CODI) with Dr Fiona Murray from The University of Edinburgh; How Public Engagement Can Advance Your Career, with HWU Academic Leads for Public Engagement; Creative Research Practice with sci comm/theatre maker Lisa Wilson, as well as guest sessions exploring their organisations' programmes with Andrew Jenkins from Edinburgh Science Festival, and Conor Ellis from Dynamic Earth. 

If you would like to learn more or get involved contact engage@hw.ac.uk