On 29 April, Community Research in Practice: Reimagining Inclusive Futures brought together 56 attendees, including researchers, practitioners, and community collaborators, for a day-long symposium, exhibition, and the launch of the graphic novel Pebbles and Ripples. The event created a focused space for shared reflection and dialogue on how research can become more inclusive, community-centred, and collaborative in practice.
The event brought together contributors from across disciplines and sectors to share experiences, tools, and creative approaches to working alongside communities. Through presentations, exhibitions, discussions, and networking, the day created space for meaningful reflection on the future of inclusive research practices.
Exhibition and Interactive Resources
The day began with an exhibition and poster session, where participants explored a range of projects and resources connected to community-centred and inclusive research. The opening session also included a welcome from Prof. Kendi Guantai, Dean for Culture and Inclusion in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office.
Presentations throughout the morning introduced key outputs from the Reimagining Research Practices (RRP) project, including the Prompts for Community-Centred Research, the CREDIT Toolkit, Micro: bit technologies, and other creative engagement approaches that support collaborative research practices.
Symposium: Sharing Experiences of Inclusive Research
The afternoon symposium focused on experiences of conducting research alongside communities through a series of lightning talks and discussions. Researchers who contributed to the graphic novel shared insights from their projects, including Prof Sheila Payne, Prof Charlotte Baker, Dr Rachael Barrow, and Dr Buket Kara. The symposium also welcomed external speakers Dr Angelika Strohmayer from Northumbria University and Maddi Nicholson from Art Gene in Barrow-in-Furness, who reflected on creative and participatory approaches to community engagement.
The panel discussion, moderated by Prof Andrew Tate, brought together Dr Buket Kara, Emma Rowicki (Chief Executive Officer, Boingboing Foundation), Dr Angelika Strohmayer, Angie Phillips, Louise Zambianchi (Head of Open Research, Library), and Dr Amy Mayfield (Research Culture Manager). Together, they explored lessons learned from community involvement in research, the ongoing challenges of inclusive research practice, and future directions for developing more collaborative and ethical research cultures.
Launch of Pebbles and Ripples
A highlight of the event was the official launch of Pebbles and Ripples, the graphic novel created by Angie Phillips and Phoebe Halstead in collaboration with Arc Studio.
The graphic novel brings together the stories of nine researchers working alongside communities, using illustration and storytelling to reflect on the complexities, relationships, and emotional dimensions of community-engaged research in an accessible, engaging way.
Thank You
We would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to and participated in the event, including all speakers, presenters, exhibitors, facilitators, and attendees.
We are deeply grateful for the generosity, openness, and enthusiasm shared throughout the day, and we look forward to continuing these conversations and collaborations.
Looking Ahead
Community Research in Practice: Reimagining Inclusive Futures builds on the ongoing work of the Reimagining Research Practices: Towards a Sustainable, Ethical, and Inclusive Future project, which continues to explore how research cultures can become more inclusive, ethical, and community-involved.
If you would like to learn more about the project or the ‘Working’ Prompts for Community Centred Research, please contact Dr Nuri Kwon at n.kwon1@lancaster.ac.uk.
Nuri Kwon
Carlos Lopez-Galviz