The 5th USRN Online Forum on “Social Responsibility in Research: Co-producing a Better Future,” hosted by The University of Manchester, was concluded successfully on 9 July 2025. Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement at The University of Manchester, opened the session by emphasising the importance of advancing social responsibility through community engagement and participatory research. The forum featured two insightful speakers: Dr Laura Breen, Research Development and Impact Manager of Research and Business Engagement Support Services, at The University of Manchester and Professor Carin Combrinck, Head of Department of Architecture, at the University of Pretoria. Each speaker shared their university’s initiatives to support participatory research.
Dr Laura Breen discussed The University of Manchester’s efforts to foster a more inclusive and impactful research culture through participatory research initiatives. She shared a quote that stated, “participatory or co-produced research strengthens research outcomes by involving the communities and users of research”. Her team mapped current practices, identified challenges, and produced case study films to showcase diverse engagement models. She highlighted the importance of maintaining sustained relationships and mutual benefit in research partnerships.
(Click to view Dr Breen’s presentation)
Professor Carin Combrinck presented the Co-creating Wellness research project, a three-year study on co-creating wellness and human dignity in informal settlements in Melusi, located west of Pretoria. Professor Combrinck shared insights on using architectural research as a tool for justice and transformation, highlighting the significance of participatory design methods in addressing spatial inequalities. Her team developed the ukuDoba method (a Zulu word meaning fishing), which emphasises multidisciplinary collaboration across faculties to collect and share data over time, enabling longitudinal community engagement. They co-designed action plans addressing urban agriculture, water safety, and economic inclusion.
(Click to view Professor Combrinck’s presentation)
The session concluded with a discussion on community involvement in research and collaboration, highlighting the importance of long-term engagement and active participation of community members in research processes. Dr Skyrme concluded that participatory research goes beyond mere outreach, but it is about truth-seeking. Knowledge that is co-created is richer, more valid, and more impactful. The session reinforced that socially responsible universities should embed these practices to serve society meaningfully.
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