AHRI STRATEGIC CORE AWARD (360G-Wellcome-201433_Z_18_B)

Our public engagement strategy sets out our plans support our vision for the Africa Health Research Institute to become a premier global science research institute that engages with its public. We have already established Head of Public Engagement and Communications manager as core funded positions. The activities outlined in this enrichment award proposal build from the strategy to enhance our ability to have constructive, interactive, and integrated engagement with local communities (both in uMkhanyakude and Durban) and the broader public in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and internationally. Our diverse research populations, and geographical settings (community, hospital, rural, urban) provide an opportunity to identify aspects of engagement which are common to all, yet also the need for bespoke methodological approaches. Public engagement cannot be something `delivered’ by one or two designated staff members: to succeed we will build shared ownership across all staff and all areas of our work. We propose a series of new activities to ensure we maximise the impact and understanding of AHRI, and which enhance the quality of our research. These include staff working groups delivering work packages on a) Societal Value, b) Schools Engagement, c) Research Participant Advocacy, and d) Researcher Training/Capacity Building. We will ensure that by 2021 `public engagement’ is firmly established across all areas of our work. Mindful of the population base of much of our research activity, this programme will significantly enhance the quality of our research, as well as ensuring research impact through engagement with the public and policy makers.