Exploring and embedding PGR experiences of participatory research in TUoS research cultures

Overview

This exploratory project aims to:

• better understand what University of Sheffield PGRs - across all faculties and departments - need in relation to developing, co-designing and engaging in participatory research.
• take an evidence-based approach to provide key data that can support the development of more inclusive cultures around participatory research approaches at TUoS.

Based on the informal data gathered following the establishment of the Participatory Research Network and its members, we know that PGRs want and need:

• more training around participatory approaches
• more inclusive spaces to meaningfully discuss participatory research and its possibilities and practicalities at a postgraduate level
• more support and access to build and sustain partnerships with external community research partner organisations

We therefore undertook virtual focus groups and collaborative analysis workshops exploring PGR experiences of participatory research inquiry and culture. 

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Research outputs 

Our PGR manifesto 

We co-wrote a manifesto outlining the experiences of PGRs, the support needed, and their calls to action. 

Download our PGR manifesto (PDF, 107KB)

Podcast

In this three-part podcast, we discuss with three PGRs the challenges they face doing participatory research, their hopes for the future and the further support they need. 

Listen to the podcast

Artistic visualisations from the workshops

We developed a series of four visualisations, which visually depict findings from our four collaborative workshops with PGRs.

Workshop one: Challenges and hiccups 

Workshop two: Hopes and aspirations for the future 

Workshop three: Calls to action

Analysis workshop