Community Research Initiative

Welcome to the Community Research Initiative

Also known as "CRIS" to our friends

We bring people together across the student-community divide to explore the possibility of co-designing research to create a positive social impact. Whether its through your course or as a volunteer, our programme is here to take your research skills from classroom to community.

New here? Sign up to our newsletter!

Explore our offers

Masters programmes

PhD programmes

Undergraduate programmes

Curious about how your research could make a difference?

Working with a UCL student has made a massive impact on our organisation, particularly because we are so grassroots and wouldn't have been able to do this research on our own.
-South Asian Health Action

Check out our full impact gallery

Join us at an upcoming Community Research Initiative event

Give it a Go

How can I make a difference with my research?: Skills for Community Engaged Research Taster

14/10/2026 | 17:00 - 19:00

Ever wondered how to make a genuine impact with your research? Come along to this free skills workshop where you’ll learn what it means to research with and for communities.“It has brought a really interesting group together and made me feel part of the UCL research community.” - A student who joined one of our events for the first time last year!

Jobs & Skills

Research Consultancy Training Taster

26/10/2026 | 10:00 - 16:00

Have you ever wanted to take your research skills outside of the university? Looking to build your career as a research consultant for social good?We invite PhD and MRes students to join us for an exclusive training day as part of the UCL Community Research Initiative. This event is your gateway to gaining hands-on consultancy experience while making a real impact in the voluntary and community…

Give it a Go

Find Your Dream Dissertation: Community Research Matchmaking

04/11/2026 | 13:00 - 15:00

Looking to solve real-world problems with your Master’s dissertation research? Join us at our matchmaking event, where you’ll meet inspiring charities and community partners who want to work with Master's students like you on impactful research projects.“It’s fulfilling to use my research skills for something with quicker outcomes and more impact on local communities.” – a former Community…