As part of the Ulab project, the Oxford Internet Institute at the University of Oxford is organizing an online competition to identify the most innovative outreach and public engagement activities that have been carried out by European Universities. We define outreach and public engagement in the broadest sense to incorporate all forms of interaction with individuals and organisations outside the university. Examples of outreach and public engagement may include initiatives that engage with school children and / or their teachers, interactions with commercial organisations that lead to new technological developments, or activities that connect with policy makers and support the policy making process.

Both individuals and groups may apply for awards. Competition submissions must be for an activity that has been initiated and sustained at any university or higher education institution within the 27 EU member states, including projects that might have involved collaboration with institutions outside the EU. The entry can be from one or a number of cooperating universities.

The three winning entries will each receive a 5000 EUR prize for their institution plus funding for a representative to attend the award ceremony at the University of Oxford on 8 June 2012.

 The deadline for entries has been extended. Entries should now be submitted by 22 March 2012, 5pm (GMT). After the closing date, all entries will be made public on the website, forming part of an online repository of good practice in outreach. The three winners will be announced on 23 April 2012.

More information at EngageU website.

Read the press release.