Collaboratory Initiative Expands to Drive Community-Centred Research

Universities Join Forces to Address Key Social Challenges Through Research

The Collaboratory programme is a pioneering initiative that connects academic research with local communities across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. Originally launched in 2022 under the Universities for Nottingham Civic Agreement, it has since expanded to include De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), the University of Leicester, and Loughborough University, forming the Leicestershire Universities Partnership Civic Agreement. Through paid, full-time PhD positions and part-time research placements, the programme enables residents to engage in studies addressing real-world challenges. By fostering collaboration between universities and communities, it aims to drive meaningful change, support economic and social growth, and improve overall well-being, ensuring higher education becomes more accessible and beneficial to society.

Moreover, the research projects are developed through close collaboration between academic researchers and local groups, focusing on real-life community issues. Applications are open, with a particular emphasis on encouraging individuals from professional or community-focused backgrounds to apply. Those with relevant experience and a strong desire to create a lasting impact are especially welcomed. PhD candidates will undertake fully funded research over three years through the Doctoral Training Programme, earning a PhD qualification, while part-time Research Placement participants will complete a 10-week paid project and receive a Certificate of Recognition.

Additionally, the PhD projects address key challenges in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, including improving financial literacy among children in Coalville, increasing engagement in community energy initiatives, and tackling "invisible" poverty through social enterprises. Research will also focus on transport policies to enhance rural connectivity, strategies to support young people and families in education and social development, and nurses’ perspectives on suicide safety planning for children and adolescents. Another project aims to redesign heritage content to ensure greater inclusivity in Leicestershire’s diverse communities.

Meanwhile, academic leaders have emphasised the programme’s potential for significant impact. Professor Mike Kagioglou, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Planning, Research and Innovation at DMU, highlighted the importance of research rooted in community needs, describing the initiative as an opportunity for individuals with lived experience to drive meaningful change. Similarly, institutions involved take pride in redefining research excellence and fostering direct engagement with local communities. Professor Richard Thomas, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Leicester, encouraged applications from individuals eager to contribute to positive change, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds.

Likewise, Professor Emily Keightley, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Vibrant and Inclusive Communities at Loughborough University, expressed support for the programme, noting that its community-driven research approach offers a promising pathway to delivering tangible benefits for residents. Applications close on Sunday, 29 June 2025, and interested candidates are encouraged to attend an information webinar covering the programme, available projects, application process, and expectations. Full details are available on the official Collaboratory website. This initiative represents a significant step in integrating academic research with real-world impact, ensuring local communities play an active role in shaping research and innovation for the future.

Editor's Note

The true purpose of education is to empower society by nurturing informed and thoughtful individuals who recognise real-world issues and work towards meaningful solutions. The Collaboratory programme embodies this principle by bridging academic research with community needs, offering paid, full-time PhD positions and part-time research placements. This initiative ensures that research extends beyond university walls and directly contributes to tackling societal challenges across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. This program emphasises practical impact by collaborating with communities and organisations. Research addresses crucial issues like financial literacy for children, social enterprise for poverty, transport policy improvement, support for youth and families, healthcare challenges such as suicide prevention, and inclusive heritage content. Moreover, the program links research to local needs, driving real change and creating academic knowledge. It enables professionals and community members to contribute to solutions and advance their careers. The funding model removes financial barriers for PhD candidates, allowing focus on impactful research.

Skoobuzz strongly advocates that this initiative demonstrates how academic research can extend beyond university boundaries, uniting scholars and communities to address meaningful societal challenges.