ENCORE hopes to enable early career researchers and postdocs, to network and collaborate across schools and faculties, on interdisciplinary projects, publications, and funding applications. Membership in its first year will focus on those with a social sciences background from the School of Psychology, School of Nursing and Midwifery, the Centre for Public Health, and the School of Social Sciences, Education, and Social Work (SSESW), but is open to all who would like to collaborate on projects in these areas.

As part of the launch event, representatives from the four schools participated in a panel discussion on the topics of effective collaboration, networking successes and failures, and the value and impact of interdisciplinary research. Dr Gareth Robinson was invited to give his perspectives and experiences based upon the work and methodology of QCAP.

The potential of ENCORE as a space for bringing different disciplines together is essential to the development of QUB staff and building the research capacity needed to address persistent social challenges. The complexity of these challenges (e.g. poverty, attainment gaps, homelessness, and addiction etc.) means that disciplinary approaches, in isolation, are no longer enough. Responses and research need to be joined-up and involve multiple knowledge producers. QCAP is an innovator of these types of approaches, together with our community partners, and we welcome the opportunity afforded by ENCORE to share our expertise with colleagues across the University.

The ENCORE network hopes to share information, signpost relevant opportunities, and continue the connection for members. Members will be invited to join a Microsoft Teams group sharing information from the launch event and details of members project plans and needs. To join this group and to share your details for the members database of collaboration opportunities please complete this form.