The Universty’s Research Impact Team has launched a new Engaged Research Hub. This includes an overview of ongoing work to improve support for engaged research practices at The University of Manchester, links to resources, details about related projects, and a series of case study films.

The Hub is the first outcome from a programme of work the team began in summer 2023, which aimed to build a picture of the participatory research ecosystem at the University, so we could enhance and improve the support we provide. The films in the ‘Opening up Participatory Research’ series highlight the themes that came through most clearly – what people spoke about when we asked them about participatory research. They cover a range of engaged research practices which align with definitions of ‘participatory research’ to a greater or lesser degree, from co-production and participatory methods to collaboration. They also have a distinct hyperlocal focus, which is testament to the strength of our civic engagement, although we are aware they represent a fraction of the work taking place across the University.

The films and the wider review spotlighted the benefits and rewards of engaged research more broadly and identified (and confirmed) common barriers and support needs. The current Hub is just a starting point – over the next five years (and beyond) we will be working together across the University to build capacity for engaged research, create opportunities for shared learning, and cultivate more sustainable and reciprocal relationships with those we research with.

• You can read more about what we’re doing on the projects page.
• If you have any suggestions for resources that we should share, please send them to impact@manchester.ac.uk.
• University colleagues can also join the Engaged Research Community Microsoft Teams group and find further details of our wider support for research impact on the Research Impact homepage.

Photo credit: Image from a workshop led by the Inspiring Futures Partnership CIC