Seeking ‘to put communities at the heart of research’, this scheme is intended to help local areas by investing (£4.4 million over the next four years) in organisations that can support the sustainable and equitable involvement of communities in research. Community organisations, charities, and local authorities, alongside research organisations, play a crucial role in the production, interpretation, and use of research. This investment by UKRI will give these organisations the capacity to collaborate effectively, unlocking the potential of community-centred research and research engagement approaches.

The Market Development Association, in partnership with QCAP, has been awarded an initial £25,000 to develop one of these community research networks in Belfast. This award, as part of an expression of interest (EoI) phase, will be used to support initial collaborations in building relationships and to develop plans for the implementation phase. Only successful applicants at the EoI phase will be invited to apply for the implementation phase later in the year.

For more information:

https://www.youngfoundation.org/community-research-networks/

https://www.ukri.org/blog/funding-for-change-investing-in-collaboration-with-communities/