Robert Gordon University 'Curious Minds' Award for 'Engaging the Public with Research'

 

Robert Gordon University 'Curious Minds' Award for 'Engaging the Public with Research' (2025).

Interview with Dr Konstantina Martzoukou (creator of 'Maddie is Online')

What did it mean to you to be recognised in the Research Awards, specifically in the Engaging the Public with Research category?

It was especially meaningful because having this work acknowledged at the Curious Minds Festival felt like a celebration of the values that underpin our project. ‘Generative Artificial Intelligence Skills in Schools (GenAISiS)’ is underpinned by openness, sharing, and a belief that young people have the right to have all the information they need readily available to establish necessary knowledge and understanding.

Receiving the award helped us to engage with even more people and share the outcomes of this research, increasing recognition of the value of the resources we co-created with secondary school students.

‘Curious Minds’ further supported our aim to build confidence, encourage critical engagement and support safe and ethical participation in AI‑mediated environments.

The award helped us increase visibility and gave us space to showcase and amplify the student voice, promoting equitable access to media and information literacy skills.

How did it feel to be nominated by colleagues?

Being nominated by colleagues made the award feel particularly special because they had taken the time and effort to nominate the project. Their support means a great deal, especially because they understand the depth of effort involved in co‑producing resources with young people, engaging underrepresented groups and navigating the fast‑moving landscape of AI ethics, safety and education.

It was both humbling and energising to know that those I work alongside value the contribution I strive to make.

Did the recognition have any impact on your work, confidence, or career?

The recognition has already had a positive impact on my work. It has strengthened my confidence in the direction of the project and opened new conversations and collaborations across the University and beyond.

I was able to secure a second funded project to collaborate with Aberdeen Science Centre, where we further engaged with the public. I also offered feedback to the Scottish Government on a document that focuses on guardrails and guidelines for education, with our work being acknowledged as a valuable resource for AI education. Finally, I was then invited as a panel chair by ‘The European Chatbot & Conversational AI Summit’.

Additionally, our project is now included as recommended resource in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools: guidelines and guardrails - gov.scot.

The ‘Curious Minds’ festival, therefore, opened the way for a series of other engaging and impactful public activities. These reinforced for me the idea that public engagement is an essential dimension of impactful and socially responsible research, particularly in an area as rapidly evolving and publicly debated as generative AI.

The dissemination activities of the project, including our media coverage by STV News and upcoming public events, e.g., at Tech Fest in May, further demonstrate the impact that sharing this work made to me.

Responsible AI UK, who funded this project, was also delighted to hear about this recognition and showcased the award across their members via their own media communications.

Why do you think awards like this are important for our research culture?

They are absolutely vital for our research culture. They highlight the breadth of contributions that make our research community vibrant, from interdisciplinary collaboration to public engagement and innovation.

Recognising the research diversity of our university helps us build a culture where different strengths are celebrated and where engagement is seen as integral to research excellence.

Why should colleagues consider nominating someone this year?

A nomination can be a powerful gesture: it acknowledges work that often happens quietly and can boost individual confidence as well strengthen our sense of research community.

Most importantly, it helps us continue building a research culture where everyone feels seen, supported and inspired, from new researchers to more experienced colleagues.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the colleagues and collaborators who nominated me for this award. Your support has made a genuine difference, and I am deeply grateful for the recognition.