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.

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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

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…

Volunteering

Make a difference with your research skills: Community Research Initiative Pop Up

08/12/2026 | 11:30 - 15:00

Want to do something different with your research skills? The Community Research Initiative (or CRIS for short!) is all about taking your research and study skills from classroom to community. Our Research Volunteering programme allows you to volunteer your brain with local charities to help solve real world problems.

Volunteering

Make a difference with your research skills: Community Research Initiative Pop Up

09/12/2026 | 11:30 - 15:00