Engaged research at The University of Manchester

We have a rich history of undertaking engaged research at The University of Manchester. Engaged research practices play a critical role in the generation of meaningful research impact and help us to achieve the University of Manchester’s core purpose ‘to advance education, knowledge and wisdom for the good of society.’ However, as a large institution with almost 7,000 academics and research staff, these practices aren't always visible and opportunities for shared learning are easily missed.

In 2021, Research England began to allocate funding for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to use for ‘participatory research.' However, they didn’t include a definition. They simply stated that:

‘Participatory or co-produced research strengthens research outcomes by involving the communities and users of research, better recognising their experience, needs and preferences, and giving greater agency to communities to implement findings.'

As we looked to distribute this funding, we realised we needed to gain a better understanding of the participatory research landscape at The University of Manchester in order to support those undertaking it to do so robustly, ethically and equitably. We commissioned a mapping and thematic analysis of the ecosystem at The University of Manchester to help us to build a picture of what participatory research looked like in our particular context.* This exercise demonstrated that there was a significant amount of activity, experience and interest across the university, albeit more concentrated in the Faculties of Humanities and Biology, Medicine and Health and that many accessed the support services we provide for research impact and public engagement. It also showed we could do more to join the dots between different people and practices. 

When we asked academic and professional services colleagues from across the university what terms they used to describe their ‘participatory research,’ and to share examples, they described a host of engaged research practices. Some were firmly aligned with definitions of participatory or co-produced research, whilst others were adjacent, or simply collaborative in nature. The Opening up Participatory Research films address some of the key themes that emerged during these discussions. 

Terminology and the associated methodologies and approaches are critical, and we will be creating opportunities to share and explore their respective merits and applications in the long-term. However, the process also identified (or confirmed) common barriers and support needs which could be tackled more immediately. 

Over the next five years (and beyond) we will be taking action in four key areas, which we hope will build capacity, create opportunities for shared learning and continuous improvement, and support the development and maintenance of more sustainable and reciprocal relationships with those we research with:

• Communication and culture
• Guidance
• Processes
• Networking and Shared Practice

We will be sharing more details about what we’re doing on the projects page in the coming weeks. In the meantime, UoM colleagues can join the Engaged Research Community Microsoft Teams group to share resources, ideas and events. 

*The mapping, thematic analysis of the ecosystem for participatory research at The University of Manchester, and initial development of case study films were undertaken by Dr Dominic Galliano, Dr Bentley Crudgington and Dr Charlotte Thorley. Other activities were led by Dr Laura Breen (Research Development and Impact Manager) and Dee-Ann Johnson (Public Engagement Manager). The films were produced by Modify Productions, who brought their own experiences as former youth co-researchers in a participatory research project to the process.