Participatory Research Oxford Workshop Series
5 November 14:00
Social Sciences Division’s Research, Impact and Engagement team is pleased to present as part of the University-wide ‘Participatory Research Oxford’ initiative, a new workshop series offering an introduction to participatory research practices with a specific focus on how researchers (from any discipline) might incorporate participatory research practices into their projects.
Whether you are a quantitative or qualitative researcher, from disciplines where participatory research is unheard of, or undertaking project work where participatory research is the gold standard approach, this series will offer practical and feasible steps to prioritise meaningful engagement with individuals and communities who have lived and living experience with the topics, phenomena and problems you seek to study.
These sessions will be laid back and interactive with plenty of breakout sessions and group discussions throughout. The sessions are flexible and relevant to researchers of all levels of experience – you can attend all four as a progressive series or select the ones most relevant to your immediate situation and needs. These sessions are open to ALL divisions and colleagues in GLAM – both researchers and for professional staff supporting research and engagement.
Introduction to Participatory Research
Tuesday 5 November, 2pm – 4pm
University of Oxford Careers Service, 56 Banbury Road OX2 6PA; The Centenary Room
In this first workshop we will define and demystify definitions within participatory research as well as explore its historical development and contemporary use, specifically within the context of early career research projects. We’ll also examine the central elements of meaningful participation, reasons why you may want to engage with this approach, examples of successful projects and common mistakes. Afternoon tea / coffee provided.
Considerations for Study Design, Planning and Collaboration in Participatory Research
Tuesday 12 November, 11am - 1pm
University of Oxford Careers Service, 56 Banbury Road OX2 6PA; The Centenary Room
Workshop 2 will focus on how to build trust and collaborative relationships between researchers and communities. We’ll cover key concepts such as defining “community”, the importance of developing advisory boards, and how to co-design research agendas right from applying for grant funding to disseminating the findings. Through case studies and group discussions, participants will explore strategies for key features of participatory research, such as identifying research questions, compensating community members, and navigating practical, early-stage considerations that set participatory projects up for success. Lunch provided.
Conducting Participatory Research
Tuesday 19 November, 11am - 1pm
University of Oxford Careers Service, 56 Banbury Road OX2 6PA; The Centenary Room
In workshop 3, we will take a deep dive into the key aspects of conducting participatory research. Building on previous sessions we will look at participatory data collection methods, data analysis and the ethical considerations which are typical to these stages of the research. Emphasis will be on how participatory methods can be adapted to fit your project, regardless of the specific methodological approach or discipline of the overarching project. We will address common challenges and examine examples of how early-career research projects can, and have, adapted to successfully implement participatory practices. Lunch provided.
Dissemination, Knowledge Exchange and Action Planning in Participatory Research
Tuesday 26 November, 11am - 1pm
University of Oxford Careers Service, 56 Banbury Road OX2 6PA; The Centenary Room
This fourth and final session will focus on the importance of dissemination and knowledge exchange in participatory research. We will cover strategies for effectively sharing research findings, engaging the stakeholders who use research findings to influence policy and how to develop action plans which reflect the priorities of your research partners. Additionally, through case studies highlighting best practices, participants will explore how to monitor and evaluate the impact of their research efforts as well as how to manage the final periods of community-based participatory research. Lunch provided.
Sessions will be delivered by Ben Scher, part of the Participatory Research Oxford team. Commissioned by, and working closely with, the Research, Impact and Engagement (RIE) team within the Social Sciences Division and the Public and Community with Research (PCER) Team in Research Services, Ben recently published a scoping review on best practices in participatory research and facilitated the two-day OX|BER symposium on participatory research.
Ben has himself extensively employed participatory methods in his own research, including working with peer researchers, service user groups and other community experts in the UK, Canada and Greece. He is also an experienced policy advocate, having given evidence in various parliamentary and governmental fora and he is passionate about producing research that can direct policymakers in their efforts to establish more effective and humane interventions that address both the overdose crisis and complex health, environmental and socio-economic needs of the often-marginalised communities impacted by drug overdoses. He is currently in the final year of a DPhil conducting an international comparison of harm reduction initiatives.
Participatory Research Oxford is a University-wide initiative designed to strengthen the ecosystem for participatory research within, across and beyond the university. Please see our website to find out more.
