Eric A. Jensen

Dr Eric Jensen has two main research specialisms: Public engagement and media. He also contributes to the development of impact evaluation methodology and social change theory. His research on the impacts of public engagement cuts across a wide range of settings, from zoos to conservation training programmes to museums (e.g. Natural History Museum, University of Cambridge Museums) to festivals (e.g. Cambridge Science Festival and the Cheltenham Festivals).

Recent projects have also investigated the impacts of online public engagement with research (e.g. the JISC-funded PERO Project) and the role of digital technology in evaluating arts and culture experiences (NESTA and AHRC-funded 'Qualia' project).

He is also participating in CUSP (Center for Urban Science and Progress), based at New York University. His research on science in the media has included a detailed investigation of coverage of the issue of therapeutic cloning in the US and UK. He has a forthcoming book on this topic, under contract with Ashgate.

Current research projects include a three-year study of conservation education at ZSL London Zoo (funded by the Greater London Authority), a project researching the use of student volunteers within UK festivals that involve universities in public engagement (funded by the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement) and a mixed methods external evaluation studies of the Cambridge Science Festival and the Cambridge Festival of Ideas (funded by the University of Cambridge).