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[The CIVIS Newsroom ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom) 2. Developing Participatory Research: Reflections from the CIVIS Staff Week in Lausanne Developing Participatory Research: Reflections from the CIVIS Staff Week in Lausanne ====================================================================================== Research 21 May 2025 Photo credits: UNIL From 7 to 10 April 2025, the University of Lausanne (UNIL) hosted an intensive and inspiring CIVIS Staff Training Week, gathering researchers, doctoral candidates, and professionals from across the CIVIS Alliance. The four-day programme, entitled “From Ideas to Action: A Collaborative Space to Develop Participatory Research Projects,” offered a dynamic and cross-disciplinary platform for rethinking how participatory research is conceived, developed, and embedded in academic practice. ### Reimagining Research through Participation Departing from conventional academic training formats, the [CIVIS Staff Training Week ](https://civis.eu/en/get-informed/events/civis-staff-training-week-from-ideas-to-action-a-collaborative-space-to-develop-participatory-research-project)*[“From Ideas to Action: A Collaborative Space to Develop Participatory Research Projects”,](https://civis.eu/en/get-informed/events/civis-staff-training-week-from-ideas-to-action-a-collaborative-space-to-develop-participatory-research-project)* featured an interactive blend of hands-on workshops, focused group discussions, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The diversity of participants — spanning PhD students, researchers, and research support staff — enriched the collective learning experience. > For **co-organiser** **Samia Ben Rajeb (Université libre de Bruxelles)**, the heterogeneity of perspectives created a unique space to “*reflect together on the ethical, epistemological and methodological issues”* central to participatory research. This collaborative, field-oriented approach aims to foster knowledge production that is both socially relevant and responsive to the complexity of today’s global challenges. ### A Field in Growing Demand The enthusiastic engagement throughout the week underscored a genuine and increasing demand for training in participatory methodologies. As **co-organiser David Poveda (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid)** observed, *“There is strong interest in the topic, both from researchers and from civil society.”* This sentiment was echoed by **Kenneth Skeldon (University of Glasgow)**, who highlighted the transformative potential of the programme: *“This immersive week can truly transform their trajectories.”* > **Christèle Aubry (UNIL)**, co-organiser, underlined the importance of *"pooling the strengths of universities to open research up to real-world issues".* ### Tangible Outcomes and Enduring Impact Far from being a one-off event, the Staff Week served as a springboard for deeper engagement with participatory research. Participants left with sharpened conceptual tools, greater clarity on participatory principles, and in many cases, the groundwork for future projects. The week culminated with the awarding of micro-credentials, recognising both the skills acquired and the commitment demonstrated. The supportive and trusting environment also encouraged experimentation and creativity, essential conditions for meaningful innovation in research practice. ### Towards a CIVIS-Wide Community of Practice Crucially, the initiative also marked the beginning of a broader CIVIS commitment to participatory research. Participants are now encouraged to continue developing their initiatives with the support of [local CIVIS Open Labs](https://civis.eu/en/engage/open-labs) and CIVIS coordinators. As organisers noted, this successful first edition sets a precedent for the fuller integration of participatory methods within the CIVIS ecosystem. ### Bringing Ideas to Life For those ready to launch or develop participatory research initiatives, the [CIVIS Open Lab at UNIL](https://www.unil.ch/unil/fr/home/menuinst/recherche/interface/calls-et-projets/internationaliser-projets.html) offers both funding and tailored support for collaborative, socially embedded projects. Interested researchers are invited to contact [Christèle Aubry](javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(99,104,114,105,115,116,101,108,101,46,97,117,98,114,121,64,117,110,105,108,46,99,104))) to explore opportunities and bring their ideas to life. **See [the original story](https://www.unil.ch/news/1746645912774)** Related news ------------ - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civis-coms-unit-hand-laptop_1-800x600.jpg?token=a1f77b91f6f498d995a4442378a7d49b)UNIL and the City of Lausanne join forces to shape the future of digital public services CIVIS Highlights 17 April 2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/unil-and-the-city-of-lausanne-hand-in-hand-for-shaping-the-future-of-digital-public-services) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/ols-ebook-migrant-storytelling-2-800x600.jpg?token=e4d57d52141887f07e54e749b7a54207)When art speaks louder than headlines: CIVIS Open Lab participants reclaim the meaning of home Connect 12 March 2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/when-art-speaks-louder-than-headlines-civis-open-lab-reclaims-the-meaning-of-home) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/unil-march-800x600.jpg?token=d8f751c5dd64924dd2e37edbb187d325)The Swiss ski mountaineering team, supported by UNIL's researchers for this year's Olympic Games CIVIS Highlights 3 March 2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/the-swiss-ski-mountaineering-team-supported-by-unil-s-researchers-for-this-year-s-olympic-games) [Discover all our stories](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom) [ Reconnecting teenagers with nature to better care for their mental health ](< https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/reconnecting-teenagers-nature-care-mental-health >) [ Tackling cancer together: five CIVIS universities receive prestigious EU funding for innovative research network ](< https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/tackling-cancer-together-five-civis-universities-receive-prestigious-eu-funding-for-innovative-research-network >) ![CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance](https://civis.eu/build/assets/civis-CCpvK1nT.svg) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Europe’s Civic University Alliance ![Co-funded by the European Union](https://civis.eu/build/assets/co-funded-by-the-european-union-DSKLW1us.png)Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). 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