The groundbreaking Co(l)laboratory programme is looking for local workers, people who are active in the community, and those with lived experience of facing complex challenges to take part in upcoming paid events that will help set the research agenda.
Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham are calling on committed local community members to participate in shaping future research projects through the "Notts Voice in Research" initiative. This campaign, part of the Co(l)laboratory programme, aims to ensure that new research that will be funded addresses the real-world challenges faced by Nottingham and Nottinghamshire communities.
The Co(l)laboratory programme is a pioneering eight-year, £5.1 million project supported by Research England and delivered by Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham via their Universities for Nottingham partnership. It brings together researchers, community organisations, and local citizens to deliver meaningful change through collaborative research. Over the next eight years, the programme will train 50 PhD candidates and 25 research placement candidates in locally relevant, challenge-based research, all guided by the insights and priorities of Nottinghamshire communities.
Dr. Matthew Young, Co(l)laboratory Programme Manager, emphasises the importance of community involvement:
Co(l)laboratory's mission is to deliver research that can support positive, evidence-based change for Notts communities, but this is not something the Universities can do alone. To do this, we need our communities to share their lived-experience and insights to tell us what's important to them and what challenges our research needs to address in order to make a difference. That's where our Notts Voice in Research initiative comes in - it gives local people a voice in research.
Community members, including teachers, community leaders, youth workers, charity professionals, local civic and community-focused organisations, and more, are invited to share their unique perspectives and experiences on issues that matter most to them. This collaborative approach ensures that Co(l)laboratory’s next research projects are co-created with those directly affected, leading to more impactful change for local communities.
Co(l)laboratory are looking for people who have an in-depth understanding of specific issues that affect Nottingham City communities to join our initiative and collaborate with Nottingham’s universities. This includes members of the local community through the services you deliver at work (such as NHS, other healthcare, local council, schools, charities, voluntary organisations), Nottingham City residents who play an active role in their community, or residents with firsthand experience of complex challenges they feel are a priority.
There will be five Notts Voice in Research events taking place from March to September, with attendees compensated £50 per event for their time and efforts. These kick off with a series of 3 community priority workshops, taking place at Nottingham Central Library. Starting with an introduction to research and defining our communities (Wednesday 19 March, 4-6pm), before diving into the challenges they face (Wednesday 26 March, 4-6pm) and wrapping up with a session on connecting people, place, and those big local issues (Wednesday 2 April, 4-6pm).
If you are able to get involved they’d love to hear from you. Your participation will help ensure that the research conducted addresses the real needs and challenges of local communities. The experience will also provide insights into the world of research and further opportunities to participate.
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