In a five-year £9m programme, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is funding nine community research networks, reaching all four nations of the UK. The programme, delivered in partnership with The Young Foundation, will support communities to set research agendas and develop the knowledge, skills and tools to act on issues that matter to them.
Mobilising community knowledge
The nine funded networks are deliberately cross-sector, with combinations of charities, local authorities and research organisations working together to build capacity and capability for community-led research. For example, in Scotland, the Moray-based Collaboration for Mental Wealth will mobilise community knowledge to create and sustain mental health across the region. In Wales the Eryri-based Dolennu, which means ‘to link’ in Welsh, seeks to use action research in the areas of tourism, culture and heritage for community benefit. Elsewhere, the Know Your Place network aims to empower young people to undertake evidence-based community research that makes Staffordshire a better place for young people to live and thrive.
‘Research and innovation by everyone, for everyone, everywhere’
UKRI Chief Executive Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser said:
“I am delighted to see the launch the second phase of UKRI’s Community Research Networks programme, in partnership with The Young Foundation. At UKRI we strongly believe that R&I should be by everyone, for everyone, everywhere. This programme offers a step-change in the way UKRI funds R&I to reflect this priority. We are putting money into the hands of communities to tackle the issues that matter most to them. I am excited to see how these nine networks will enhance connectivity within and between the UK’s regions, contributing to an R&I system that benefits from diverse expertise and understanding.”
‘Communities understand local needs best’
Partnering with UKRI, The Young Foundation will support the networks to drive change, capture their learning, and convene people from across the sector to support, champion and build on this work.
Helen Goulden OBE, Chief Executive of The Young Foundation, emphasised the significance of this initiative:
“We know that local communities and citizens understand local needs best and are fundamental to tackling complex societal issues. Which is why the Community Research Networks programme is so important as we hope to actively contribute to a new and evolving national infrastructure to support community research across the UK. This is core to The Young Foundation’s strategy, and we are proud and pleased to be working alongside UKRI to support this work over the next five years – and beyond.”
Read more about this programme and its nine funded Community Research Networks
Community Innovation and Investment Places Social action Social finance & ventures Social innovation Systems change Posted on: 2 December 2024