The annual King's Engaged Research Awards (KERA) celebrate outstanding Public & Community Engagement with Research (P&CER) initiatives taking place across King's.

P&CER refers to the many ways that public and community groups can interact with and shape research, increasing its relevance to society, driving impact and improving its overall quality.

Both self-nominations and third-party nominations are welcome. King’s staff, doctoral students and community partners can now apply or nominate projects via the online application form. Please note that external applicants should fill out this nominations form in Word, and submit the completed form via email to KERN@kcl.ac.uk.

New for 2027 is the Outstanding Public and Community Contribution category, recognising an outstanding contribution made by a public or community partner to research and/or engagement at King’s. Nominees can be individuals, groups or external organisations, who can also nominate themselves.

To nominate for the Outstanding Public and Community Contribution category, please read the additional guidance for this category and complete the Outstanding Public and Community Contribution online nomination form. A Word version of the Outstanding Public and Community Contribution nomination form is also available and can be submitted via email to KERN@kcl.ac.uk.

The deadline for nominations is Monday 2 November 2026 at 17.00. 

This deadline applies to both nomination routes.

Applicants are invited to submit projects that demonstrate excellence in:

• Communicating research effectively with public audiences
• Building meaningful collaborations with communities and partners
• Involving the public in shaping and conducting research
• Integrating education, research and service
• Transforming research culture
• Demonstrating outstanding individual contributions to engaged research

Before submitting a nomination, please read our King's Engaged Research Awards Nomination guidance document.

All shortlisted nominees will be invited to attend the King's Engaged Research Awards ceremony on 14 January 2027.

The King’s Engaged Research Awards align with the key principles of One King’s Impact, our whole university approach to unite education, research and service to respond to critical global challenges outlined in the five King’s Impact Priorities. One King’s Impact principles are reflected throughout the KERA award categories, by championing and celebrating impactful, holistic and multidisciplinary initiatives that drive collaborative and innovative solutions in service to society.

Visit the KERA WordPress page to find out more: https://kingsengagedresearchblog.wordpress.com/the-kings-engaged-research-awards

Please direct queries to KERN@kcl.ac.uk