Collaborative inquiry

University researchers: Sophie Phillips and Dan Goodley 
Project Partners: Sheffield Voices

This Priority Area of WAARC is split into two areas of work.

Enhancing university research culture through research with Disabled People's Organisations

Problem: A need to promote more inclusive disability research activity at the University of Sheffield in Collaboration with Disabled People's Organisations.
Strategic Plan: We led and managed an Open Call to all researchers in the university encouraging them to apply for research funds to implement a research project in collaboration with Disabled People's Organisations.  

Deliverables:

• Four Collaborative Projects  were funded that seek to address the research priorities of disabled people and their representative organisations. 
• A Faculty of Social Sciences Working Group Working with University systems and Complex Research Grants identified recommendations for smoothing the bureaucratic and administrative processes of engaging key non-academic partners in collaborative research including simplified contracts; writing in the contracts pipeline into grant applications; sharing stories of successful collaboration; properly remunerating non-academic partners for research.

Cripping the Concordat: Supporting the career development of disabled researchers

Problem: A disconnect between current commitments around researcher development and the barriers faced by disabled researchers.
Strategic plan: Explore how the Concordat To Support the Career Development of Researchers can more effectively support the needs and research aspirations of disabled researchers. 

Deliverables:  

• Cripping the Concordat Event Reflections held in October 2025 with Postgraduate, and Early Career Researchers: revealing key priorities and challenges for disabled researchers.