Outreach and public engagement network

Our outreach and public engagement (OPEL) network brings together physics outreach professionals to strengthen and expand physics engagement across England. Originally formed by outreach officers funded by the Ogden Trust, the network now includes anyone with a leadership or management role in university physics outreach and engagement.

The OPEL network includes a wider range of representation of leadership, which will enable wider impact. New members will be part of an onboarding programme to enhance their engagement with the network.

Outreach roles in universities are often varied and only form part of broader job descriptions. This can lead to inconsistencies in support, training, and visibility for outreach work. OPEL addresses this by creating a supportive, professional network where members can exchange ideas, develop best practices, and enhance the impact of their outreach efforts. Regular meetings, workshops, and bespoke training opportunities help outreach leaders hone their skills and feel part of a wider community.

A key focus of the OPEL network is to elevate the status of outreach within universities and beyond, and to promote it as a critical aspect of physics education and research. By encouraging leadership in outreach and fostering a collaborative ethos, the network aims to give outreach a stronger voice and ensure its value is recognised at institutional and national levels.

The OPEL network aims to empower those leading physics outreach and engagement to grow in their roles, advocate for public engagement, and make a lasting impact on the wider physics community.

Interested in joining? Sign up here.