Community Research Networks
Communities 'at the heart' of research
The Community Research Networks programme is a new, ground-breaking collaboration funded by UKRI, supporting nine networks over five years to drive diverse, locally led research and innovation across the UK.
Read the UKRI announcementLaunching the programme
In December 2024 the nine networks came together to kick-start the programme after the initial phase of funding. Hear about the challenges and hopes of this ambitious initiative.
“Interest in involving communities in the research and innovation ecosystem has been growing for some time, with increased recognition of its power and potential. The opportunity presented through the UKRI’s support is significant, and The Young Foundation’s commitment to this work is in its bones.”
Helen Goulden OBE, Chief Executive of The Young Foundation
Meet the networks
From the Isles of Scilly to Moray in the Scottish Highlands, explore the diverse networks across the UK driving meaningful change in their communities.
“An outstanding R&I system is one that runs right across the UK, giving everyone the opportunity to contribute and to benefit. This system should be created by everyone, for everyone. As this work builds, I’m thankful to each and every person engaged in the Community Research Networks programme, and to those from their communities who have participated to this work.”
Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser DBE FRS, CEO, UKRI
About the project
‘Research and innovation are about hope and empowerment’
At our Community Research Networks Away Days, Dame Ottoline Leyser DBE FRS, Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), shared a vision for a more ‘open and inclusive’ future.
‘Challenging a disconnect between communities and research’
Supporting community-led networks can challenge a ‘dysfunctional relationship’ in research, say UKRI’s Tom Saunders and David Chapman, and The Young Foundation’s Helen Goulden.
£9m investment will address regional priorities across the UK
Our partnership with UKRI will support nine local networks to ensure research and innovation is ‘by everyone, for everyone, everywhere’.
UKRI and The Young Foundation partner on UK-wide community research programme
New collaboration drives diverse, locally-led research and innovation.
‘If the research sector is to truly reflect our diverse communities, we need new forms of partnerships’
Tom Saunders and Emily Morrison stress the need for more equitable and sustainable models of community engagement in research
New funding will help put communities ‘at the heart’ of research
Acting on our research findings, in 2022 UKRI made £4m in funding available for phase one of the Community Research Networks programme, supporting local engagement in research.
An equitable future for research and innovation
This report focuses on how the research and innovation (R&I) system can more equitably involve community groups and organisations with less power or representation.