Public Engagement events
We organise and support many events across the University, and can steer you towards events on a national level as well.
On this page
Events organised and/or supported by the University
February
LGBT+ History Month
- What? UK LGBT+ History Month takes place during the month of February each year. Each year has its own national theme, and in 2022 the theme will be Art In Politics – ‘the arc is long’, and will link to Art on the National Curriculum. We hope this will provide opportunities to promote dialogue around equality, diversity and inclusion.
- When? 1 - 28 February
- For more information: Please contact the LGBT+ Staff Network.
Dundee Science Festival
- What? Exciting events including family fun days, theatre, comedy, talks and activities in local schools.
- When? 12 - 25 February
- For more information: Please contact the Public Engagement team.
March
Dundee Women's Festival
- What? On March 8th International Women’s Day is celebrated all over the world, to recognise women’s rights, their qualities and their achievements. Twenty seven countries have a public holiday. Here in Dundee we are doing even better – we are holding a two week long festival!
- When? 2 - 17 March
- For more information: Please contact Dundee Women's Festival.
March - June
Three Minute Thesis
- What? Three Minute Thesis challenges students studying for a PhD to present a compelling spoken presentation on their research topic and its significance in just three minutes. ®3MT is an academic competition developed by the University of Queensland, Australia. Its success has led to the establishment of local and national competitions in several countries.
- When? Applications open in March/April every year.
- For more information: please contact the Doctoral Academy.
August
Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas
- What? The Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas provides an informal but high-profile platform for researchers to discuss their work with members of the public at the Edinburgh Festival. Shows are designed to be as interactive and human as possible.
- Deadline to submit your event: November of the preceding year.
- For more information: Please contact the Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas.
September - May
Cafe Science Dundee
- What? Relaxed and informal discussions about science with the public over coffee. Free, open to all.
- When? Visit our Cafe Science Dundee website to find details on our next event.
- For more information: Please contact the Cafe Science Dundee team.
September - June
Dundee Arts Cafe
- What? Relaxed and informal discussions from or staff and students about the arts, education, social sciences and humanities with the public over coffee at the central location of The McManus Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum. These public events are free and ticketed. Please book in advance.
- When? Visit our Dundee Arts Cafe website to find details on our next event.
- For more information: Please contact the Dundee Arts Cafe team.
October
Festival of the Future
- What? Five days of cultural events, student-led activities and community focussed activity led by the University of Dundee. The festival showcases the city and the University, celebrating our successes from research, teaching and our partnerships.
- When? October 2024
- For more information: Please contact Emma Preston, who programmes the Festival.
Black History Month
- What? Black History Month takes place throughout October each year. Inspired by the 2020 Black Lives Matter events, the national theme in 2021 is 'Proud To Be’. It will invite Black and Brown people of all ages throughout the UK to share what they are proud to be.
- When? 1-31 October 2024
- For more information: Please contact the Public Engagement team.
November
Being Human Festival
- What? A series of events celebrating languages and cultures across Scotland as part of the UK’s annual Being Human Festival of the Humanities. With a series of hands-on activities and immersive events, the University of Dundee the long-established Scottish hub for Being Human, a Festival of the Humanities, with this year's theme being Renewal.
- When? 7 - 16 November
- For more information: Please contact Daniel Cook co-coordinator of the Being Human Festival at the University of Dundee.
November - December
Disability History Month
- What? UK Disability History Month takes place in November and December each year. Each year has its own theme, and this year the event is asking 'How far have we come? How far have got to go?" The month will also have a focus on access. Access is a fundamental human right, along with gaining participation on an equal level to others regardless of impairments. We hope this will provide opportunities to promote dialogue around equality, diversity and inclusion.
- When? 16 November - 16 December
- For more information: Please contact the Public Engagement team.
All year
Community Engagement
- What? The University of Dundee is committed to making a difference to the lives of the people of Dundee, Tayside and Scotland. We provide opportunities for communities and the University to work together to co‐create projects with mutual benefit and a lasting legacy for all partners.
- For more information: Please contact Shabnam Wasim, our Community Engagement Officer.
Animating Science
- What? Our School of Life Sciences has partnered with DCA Learning to deliver a unique art and science collaborative programme supported by Wellcome through the Institutional Strategic Support Fund. Animating Science aims to develop stop motion animation skills with pupils and teachers (P7 - S3) and support them in creating animated films about Life Science concepts and processes.
- For more information: please contact Erin Hardee or the DCA Learning Team.
Bright Club Dundee
- What? A night of stand-up with our staff and students. This is great for developing your communication skills and confidence. Training and advice from experienced professionals.
- When? Visit our Bright Club Dundee website to find out when the next show will be on.
- For more information: Please contact the Public Engagement team.
STEM Ambassadors
- What? Throughout the UK, STEM Ambassadors enthuse and inspire young people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects, and open the doors to a world of opportunity. STEM East manage and coordinate the STEM Ambassador Hub East Scotland to help inspire young people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
- When? Sign up at any time. To register click visit stem.org.uk.
- For more information: Please visit the STEM Ambassadors webpage.
National events and activities
The Big Draw
- What? The Big Draw is a visual literacy charity that promotes the universal language of drawing as a tool for learning, expression and invention. The charity leads a diverse programme of advocacy, empowerment and engagement, and is the founder and driving force behind The Big Draw Festival – the world’s biggest celebration of drawing.
- When? The Big Draw Festival takes place annually from 1 - 31 October. Although once registered you can list events any time of the year.
- For more information: Please visit The Big Draw webpage
British Science Week
- What? A national programme of events in science, engineering, technology and maths aimed at all ages.
- When? 8 -17 March 2024
- Deadline to submit your event: Registration for events now open
- For more information: Please contact The British Science Association.
ESRC Festival of Social Sciences
- What? The ESRC Festival of Social Science is a celebration of the social sciences. Over the years Social Science Week has grown to a much larger and more inclusive 'festival' of activities, aimed at policymakers, business, the public and young people. Our Festival of Social Science offers a fascinating insight into some of the country's leading social science research and how it influences our social, economic and political lives - both now and in the future.
- When? Festival call goes live in April. Events in the first week of November.
- For more information: Please visit the ESRC Festival of Social Sciences webpage.
FameLab
- What? FameLab is a science communications competition designed to engage and entertain. Contestants from around the world take part armed only with their wits and a few props – the result is an unpredictable, enlightening and exciting way to encourage your curiosity.
- When? Running in Spring 2024
- For more information: Please visit the FameLab webpage.
I'm a Scientist
- What? I’m a Scientist is an online public engagement activity that gets all kinds of people working in science (researchers, technicians, managers, private sector, public sector… everyone!) talking to school students across the UK.
- Scientists develop their communication skills, gain a fresh perspective on their work, and find out what young people think about science and the role of scientists.
- When? Running throughout 2024
- For more information: Please contact The British Science Association.
I'm an Engineer
- What? I’m an Engineer is an online public engagement activity that gets people in engineering talking to school students all over the UK. Engineers develop their communication skills, gain a fresh perspective on their work, and find out what young people think about engineering and the role of engineers.
- When? Running throughout 2024
- For more information: Please contact The British Science Association