Community and Public Engagement
Community and Public Engagement
Public and community engagement in research has been integral to our programme as we conduct research alongside the people and communities we serve. We have established initiatives that empower our Fellows and researchers to connect and collaborate with the communities where our research occurs. We continue to create opportunities for young people and non-scientific communities to engage in our research and to help shape research agendas within these communities.
We operate partnership and training projects, convene research advisory groups, host events, engage through radio programmes, and utilise social media to connect, inform, and inspire on key health topics.
We operate partnership and training projects, convene research advisory groups, host events, engage through radio programmes, and utilise social media to connect, inform, and inspire on key health topics.
Our Initiatives
Use of Virtual Reality
KEMRI-Wellcome Trust piloted a VR lab tour to engage Kilifi students in science. After a baseline survey, 14 students toured labs, informing a script for a 10-minute VR video explaining research, experiments, and discoveries. Post-viewing surveys showed most students new to VR found it immersive and educational, significantly enhancing their understanding of scientific work. VR proved a scalable, effective engagement tool for youth in rural Africa.
Radio Engagement Programme
The radio engagement programme offers a platform for our Fellows and researchers to discuss their research and health issues with the public. Currently, the programme is broadcast on four radio stations: Spice FM, Radio Maisha, Msenangu FM, and Braka FM. This platform has proven effective in incorporating community voices and nurturing an interactive environment for sharing ideas on current research issues.
Career Research Open Days
The IDeAL Research Careers Open Day connects recent African graduates with Kenyan health researchers through interactive sessions, panels, and networking. It aims to inspire research careers, build local capacity, and empower scientists to tackle Africa’s health challenges. This initiative supports universal health coverage and socio-economic growth by fostering homegrown expertise, aligning with IDeAL’s mission to cultivate African research leaders.