For any enquires, please contact Dr Rebecca Morris (PI): rebecca.e.morris@warwick.ac.uk
Project Overview
Universities have long been seen as civic “anchor institutions” (Goddard, 2016), capable of driving social and economic growth. Yet the realities of building reciprocal, equitable research partnerships - especially those involving complex social issues - are far from straightforward. Funded by the 'Enhancing Research Culture Fund (ERCF)' at Warwick, this project investigates what helps such collaborations flourish, the challenges involved, and where there are opportunities for new connections. With its focus on both mono- and interdisciplinary work, the study will offer new insights into the regional landscape of research use, the barriers and enablers of partnership-building, and the conditions needed for long-term collaboration. The project will run from January-July 2026.
Background
Across the UK, universities are under increasing pressure to demonstrate real civic impact, yet the mechanisms that make knowledge exchange effective at a regional level remain poorly understood. National studies have explored how non-academic actors use research and organisations across health/social care, and education are being encouraged to become more “research-informed” (Boaz et al., 2019; Perry & Morris, 2024).
Yet far less is known about the work that enables local partnerships to form, thrive, and endure - particularly in interdisciplinary and arts-based contexts. This knowledge gap risks missed opportunities for both universities and their regional partners, as well as partnerships that falter before they can generate meaningful impact. This project addresses these gaps by examining how universities and community partners in the arts and social sciences collaborate, the roles the university plays in supporting such partnerships, and how these efforts are experienced by all involved.
Aims
How can universities and communities work together more effectively, ethically, and creatively to use research in ways that genuinely benefit the region? This project tackles that question head-on, directly addressing the ERCF priority areas of ‘creating connections and interdisciplinary research’ and ‘community and connections’.
Our core aim is to:
Map and understand approaches to knowledge exchange with community and regional partners in the arts and social sciences
Identify the perceived and actual roles of the university in supporting and facilitating such partnerships
Synthesise theoretical, empirical, and practical insights relating to knowledge exchange in these fields
Promote further research-focused partnership and collaboration
Phases & Activities
Phase 1. Scoping/Mapping (Jan-Feb 2026)
Objective:Establish a foundational understanding of research-focused knowledge exchange and situate Warwick’s current activity within this landscape.
Activities and Deliverables:
Literature review to inform a tailored conceptual framework and typology.
Mapping local activity to document existing regional initiatives.
Produce conceptual framework, typology and develop key themes/directions for subsequent phases.
Phase 2. Experiences, Perspectives, and the Way Forward (Feb-May 2026)
Objective:Explore how local and regional stakeholder groups perceive engagement and research use.
Activities and Deliverables:
Public ‘townhall’ discussions to gather diverse perspectives and experiences.
Focus groups with colleagues in arts, social sciences, and professional services.
Interviews/group discussions with non-academic organisations, including existing and potential partners.
Phase 3. Synthesis, Dissemination and Impact (Apr-Jul 2026)
Objective:Strengthen Warwick’s research culture, enhance civic engagement, and identify factors supporting effective, sustainable partnerships.
Activities and Deliverables:
Produce a main report with findings and best-practice case studies, plus a co-produced toolkit and resource hub.
Disseminate outputs via university/other external channels, including online events and conferences.
Conduct evaluation of engagement with project outputs
Session at the Warwick Institute of Engagement (WIE) Conference 2026
The project team members will run a session 'Local Roots, Lasting Impact: Exploring the Opportunities and Challenges of Community-University Research Partnerships' at the upcoming WIE conference on Thursday 26 March 2026, 11:00-11:50 in room R0.12 (Ramphal Building). It will provide space to share diverse experiences and perspectives from academic and professional services colleagues, as well as partners beyond Warwick. Together, we will explore the practical realities of building reciprocal and equitable research and knowledge exchange partnerships, highlighting both the opportunities they present and the challenges they entail. Please join us for this interactive and inclusive session, and watch this space for future updates!
