Mobilising the R&D sector with a shared blueprint for public engagement
From improving healthcare to cleaning up energy, research and development (R&D) helps shape a better world. But much of its impact goes unseen. Turning that quiet influence into public and political support meant finding a new way to tell the story.
The Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) recognised that challenge. Research across the UK was world-class, but the messaging was fragmented. With different organisations saying different things to different audiences, a gap had opened up between the R&D bubble and the taxpayers rightly scrutinising how public money is spent.
From insight to collective action
Over a three-year collaboration, we worked with CaSE and partners to change that, adopting a scientific approach rooted in deep research. Drawing on polling data from over 40,000 people, we helped shape a new communication strategy that the whole sector could rally around.
At the heart of the approach was a focus on purpose and place. We brought the brilliant work happening behind closed doors into the open, showing how R&D enriches communities, improves lives, and drives progress locally, nationally and globally.
We built a shared narrative to connect the many individual stories and show their collective impact, helping the sector speak with one voice and engage more effectively with people in their communities and networks.
By creating dynamic toolkits and adaptable campaign assets that individual organisations could tailor and own, we set the stage for a sector-led movement that is only just getting started.
Luna 9 transformed our approach to R&D communication, simplifying complex information to connect with new audiences.
Ben Bleasdale, Director of Public Opinion, CaSE
