Benefits and challenges of public engagement: how can systemic changes enhance researcher well-being and sustained participation?

Michela Busana , Leonie Schulz, David Schoo, Korinna Kappler, Theresia Endriss, Pia Wehrmaker, Julian Maindok, Alexandra Zink, Joan Casanelles-Abella, Monika Egerer

Discussions of public engagement typically emphasize its benefits for society and research outcomes, but far less attention has been given to its effects on researchers' well-being. In this viewpoint, we explore how public engagement can contribute to positive work experiences. Drawing on examples from our own projects, we illustrate how engagement activities can foster meaning, connection, motivation, and professional fulfillment. At the same time, we highlight tensions that arise when engagement is insufficiently valued, resourced, or integrated into academic workloads. We argue that the well-being benefits of public engagement are not automatic but depend on support from the institutional environments. Recognizing and rewarding engagement activities may therefore benefit not only research and society but also the researchers undertaking them.