Participatory research, at the intersection of research and practice

How do CSOs construct knowledge? How does experiential knowledge link to theoretical knowledge? How can participatory research be useful to CSOs and academia? How can we promote its development and support? 

Leveraging effect of participatory research for the civil society sector

Participatory research constitutes an imporant resource for civil society. It reduces bridges between conceptual academic approaches and the tangible needs of actors, two of both worlds that rarely meet. It also guarantees that research be utilized by actors, mainly through an association of research with materials.  

Participatory research represents a good opportunity for civil society actors to capitilise on and share their experiences, all-while providing a chance for researchers to produce new knowledge. Research conducted along these lines needs to have a societal value and implication.   

It is also meant to promote research as a strategic resource of the civil society sector. Indeed, participatory research assists CSOs in navigating complex, strategic and organisational issues. It can also fuels the institutional environment and assist it in elaborating support systems that respond to the concerns of civil society actors. This is implemented all-while enhancing the contribution of research in the social sciences and humanities to innovation.  

Lastly, participatory research contributes to the enrichment of public debates and civic emancipation.  

Supporting a resource

Situated at the crossroads of academia and civil society, the Institute represents a space of exchange and cocreation between actors and researchers. CSOs and researchers are systematically engaged in collaboration in all activities. Our governing body comprises two councils: a scientific committee composed of academic researchers, and a administrative council composed of CSO actors. The governing body ensures that the strategy and activities of the Institute serve at reinforcing links between CSOs and academia.  

In this sense, we dedicate funding for participatory research initiatives in all our research support programmes. 

Besides our support for participatory research, we continuously raise awarness among CSO and academic communities regarding the benefits of this approach. We also collaborate with other actors using participatory research in order to reinforce existing synergies and develop a large network around this research method.