Community Research Initiative Showcase 2024: Creating Knowledge Together
At the Community Research Initiative (CRIS), we believe in the transformative power of collaboration. As we concluded the 2023-2024 academic year with our Community Research Initiative Showcase, we came together to celebrate the impactful projects born from the exceptional partnerships between UCL students and local voluntary and community sector organisations.
A Warm Welcome from our Education Officer
Molly McCabe, our dedicated Community Research Initiative Manager, opened the event with an inspiring welcome. She emphasized the importance of community engagement in academic research and highlighted how these collaborations benefit both students and the organisations they work with. This year, we were thrilled to have UCL Education Officer Shaban Chaundry join us, representing the academic interests of students at UCL and advocating for high-quality education. Shaban reflected on the sense of belonging that community partnered research can inspire within students by sharing about his own community engaged dissertation experience.
Shaban shared insights from his role, which involves leading efforts to ensure fair and accessible education. He discussed the significance of the Community Research Initiative as a vital avenue for UCL students to gain credited social impact experience. Through his own journey, Shaban demonstrated how these experiences not only enrich students’ academic paths but also contribute meaningfully to the community.
New Directions with the Research Volunteering Programme
Next, the event dove into a new offer for CRIS, our Research Volunteering Programme. An intimate talk between UCL PhD student Jonathan Mella and Catherine Macadam, director of Coaching for Unpaid Carers, highlighted the exciting new possibilities within this offer. The partnership exemplifies how the research skills of our students can be leveraged to support community needs and create a meaningful social impact.
During the conversation, Catherine explained how her organisation faced challenges due to a lack of in-house expertise to fully use data. Jon shared what attracted him to the initiative, emphasizing his commitment to apply his skills for a meaningful cause.
Both highlighted the rewarding nature of their collaboration, noting that the partnership allowed them to overcome obstacles together and deliver impactful outcomes for unpaid carers. The collaboration saw a dynamic knowledge exchange: the organisation gained a deeper understanding of how to analyse and leverage their data more effectively, while Jon was able to apply his academic expertise to address a real-world challenge. This synergy not only advanced the organisation’s mission but also provided Jon with invaluable, hands-on experience that enhanced his understanding of the broader community impact.
Deepening Practice with our Pro Bono Research Consultants
We also welcomed four students from our Pro Bono Research Consultancy Programme, designed to empower PhD students to act as research consultants for community organisations. This year, eleven students participated, gaining invaluable experience in conducting research that directly supports local initiatives.
Moderator Martin Rodriguez Rocha and PhD students Hamda Kazim, Enrico Pfifer, and Alice Riddell (left to right)
A panel featuring Hamda Kazim, Enrico Pfifer, and Alice Riddell discussed their motivations for joining the program and the insights they gained. Each shared how the experience shaped their perspectives on community engagement and the importance of research in driving social impact.
The discussion illuminated the transformative potential of applying academic skills to real-world challenges. Enrico, a student who rarely works with stakeholders in his research, emphasized how the program offered an invaluable opportunity to connect with people. Hamda reflected on how it helped her realize the practical application of her skills in addressing real-world issues. For Alice, the programme offered amazing connections that have resulted in a new career path for her with the UCL Trellis programme and a strategic partnership with the Power Project to enhance her research.
Community Impact Panel
The showcase continued with a third panel focused on the community impact of our Research Volunteering Programme. We welcomed Cherill Hutchinson, founder of the Black Woman Kindness Initiative. She shared her experiences working with UCL students on research projects aimed at addressing community challenges.
Cherill outlined the objectives of her initiative, which focuses on empowering Black women to prioritise self-care. She also discussed the importance of representation in the media and how research can drive initiatives that elevate marginalized voices. Her reflections underscored the significant benefits of partnering with students who bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
Student Flashtalks! Reflecting on Engaged Dissertations
One of the standout moments of the event was the Student Dissertation Flash Talks, where we heard from an impressive lineup of students: Gerald Kait, Clarissa Salmon, Tomas Carillo, Oona Miller, Mah-Noor Ghani, and Macksida Sabackic. Each presentation offered a fascinating glimpse into a wide array of topics, ranging from community health to social justice.
The students shared their insights, the challenges they encountered, and the tangible impacts their research had on partner organisations. This segment not only highlighted the academic rigor of their projects but also illuminated the deep personal connections forged through collaborative research. Their passion for their subjects and dedication to their communities shone through, underscoring the immense value of experiential learning. Additionally, the students reflected on how the experience has shaped their professional journeys, from networking and skill-building to having a concrete project to share as they move forward in their careers.
Community Impact Zine
As the event ended, our team launched a new collaborative crafting activity zine collage making! A zine (short for fan-zine) is a short publication typically used in music communities and activist spaces to share impact and messaging. Attendees were encouraged to create collages reflecting their experiences and insights from the event, capturing the diverse voices within our CRIS community. The collages from the event will be collated into producing our Community Impact Zine set to launch at the end of 2024.
The zine will serve as a tangible reminder of the connections made and the impact achieved through our collective efforts.
Conclusion
The 2024 Community Research Initiative Showcase was a powerful celebration of the innovative and meaningful partnerships between UCL students and community organisations. As we continue to bridge the gap between academia and community, we look forward to fostering more collaborations that inspire, inform, and create lasting change.
Together, we can build a future where research not only advances knowledge but also empowers communities. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this incredible event. Here’s to the continued growth of the Community Research Initiative and the amazing work we’ll accomplish together!