Research Masterclass Series | An introduction to participatory research

Participatory research refers to research methods and methodologies that prioritise inclusive and community-engaged approaches where members of impacted communities are actively engaged in the research process and work alongside researchers as peers. This practice has become increasingly common in research focusing on minority communities or end-users (e.g., consumers, patients). Participatory research has come to be considered the “gold standard” in autism research, with leading journals in the field requiring statements about community engagement in their publications.

While we have seen a surge in participatory research practices, relatively few researchers have utilised it to its fullest extent and it remains rare in many fields, despite evidence of the benefits in terms of research impact. In this session, two Autistic autism researchers, Abby Sesterka and Hayley Clapham will describe the principles of participatory research, explain the various degrees to which it can be applied, and discuss what these look like in practical terms. Drawing from their experiential expertise, they will plot the progress of participatory autism research and consider the benefits and challenges they have experienced in their respective practices. The application of these approaches will be examined for research more broadly in the interest of conducting research that is accessible, readily translatable, and meaningful to the communities researchers seek to serve.

For more information, please contact the Graduate Research School.

A recording of the session will be sent to those who have registered.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Kind regards