SMASHfestUK is a multidisciplinary research collaboration between the University of Greenwich and the University of Middlesex, which embeds art and science research into inclusive public engagement. Dr Lindsay Keith employed SCENE, a novel, research-led model, to attract a majority black and other ethnic minority audience, as well as those facing socio-economic challenges. The research reached more than 80,000 people and increased their ‘science capital’. The SCENE model is embedded into the social enterprise, SMASH-UK, which has employed more than 100 people since 2018. Evidence from SMASHfestUK has influenced UK funder’s engagement strategies and informed public engagement policy at a national level.