Developing Participatory Research: Reflections from the CIVIS Staff Week in Lausanne
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 “From Ideas to Action: A Collaborative Space to Develop Participatory Research Projects”, 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 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 offers both funding and tailored support for collaborative, socially embedded projects. Interested researchers are invited to contact Christèle Aubry to explore opportunities and bring their ideas to life.