Our Knowledge Exchange videos
We’ve produced three videos with Shout Out UK to help introduce the public to key political issues, ensuring that anyone – no matter their level of political knowledge – can understand what is happening in contemporary politics.
Why do we hate politics?
Professor Matthew Flinders, Director of the Crick Centre led on the production of this video, and said:
“Against a backdrop of long-term trends of falling voter turnout, low trust in politicians and dissatisfaction with the political system, I wanted to explore why people might hate politics and politicians. This video seeks to cut through the academic jargon and consider what practical steps can be done to restore public trust and boost political engagement”
You can learn more about the issues raised in the video in our Why do we hate politics factsheet.
Democratic Disengagement and the dis-United Kingdom
Dr Kate Dommett led on this video, which explains why we have different systems of government across the UK, reflects on the impact of devolution and the consequences of the Scottish independence debate, asking the question: ‘Are we living in a dis-United Kingdom?’. It introduces how the UK is run, how these arrangements have come about and why they matter – providing a summary of recent academic debate concerning the distribution of power and national identity in the UK. Kate has blogged about her experience of communicating research to the public.
How democratic is the EU?
Dr Matthew Wood led on this video, which examines the democratic challenges facing the EU ahead of the UK’s referendum on EU membership on 23 June. introduces how the EU is run, how these arrangements have come about and how we feel about Europe – providing a summary of recent academic debate concerning the organisation and structures of the EU, in the context of the Eurozone recession and refugee crisis. You can learn more about the issues raised in this video in our factsheet: .
About the Hub
Our main areas of knowledge exchange relate to democratic change and political participation. We’re working with Democracy Matters and Shout Out UK to create a range of short informatic films and a programme of public events taking place all over the UK.
Speaking about the initiative, Titus Alexander, ESRC Knowledge Exchange Fellow from Democracy Matters says:
“These events give people a chance to grapple with the complexities of constitutional change and learn how to have their say”
“We’re creating imaginative ways of engaging people in the complexities of constitutional change, such as a conversation board game, a throne in the street and community meetings, where academics share their findings and the public have their say. Every event involves a diverse range of partners who are following-up with local activities for community education and engagement”
Funded by the ESRC and working with the University of Southampton, University of Edinburgh, University of Sheffield and King’s College London, the three films and events focus on the problem of anti-politics and political disengagement, the UK’s constitutional future, and our place in the European Union. Each film will be shown at public events around the country where local people and community groups are invited to join us to discuss the big issues facing the UK and beyond.
The aim of these short films, the public events and everything the Crick Centre does is to demonstrate just why the study of politics matters and how research findings can play a positive role in informing and shaping public debates.
The knowledge exchange activities therefore underpin the Crick Centre’s broader focus on promoting engaged citizenship and political participation.
Other Knowledge Exchange projects have included working with the World Photography Competition, with the Political Studies Association in relation to their short films competition and the Total Exposure project.
Get involved
As a Knowledge Exchange Hub, the Crick Centre is at the centre of an exciting new drive to connect the best ESRC-funded research with public debate and foster involved citizenship, particularly in disadvantaged communities. By translating some world leading research findings, we hope to help people understand what’s happening and join the debate.
If you have an ESRC-funded project and would like to work with us, !
Our partners
Democracy Matters
Shout Out UK
