What Faculty do you work in?
FHSS
What is your main area of research?
I work across SHAPE disciplines. As long as the research has a place-based and/or community-led element, our research and professional services team at the Local Challenges Research Office can be involved.
Why is your research important?
Many public services and funding providers are pivoting towards a focus on place, recognizing that many of the solutions to local challenges lie in citizen engagement rather than corporate planning. Our team are working to find ways for research to be a part of this movement, if not lead it.
What SDG is your research most closely aligned with?
11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
What do you hope to accomplish with your research?
Local change and regeneration that is led or informed by local community groups; exploring the roles of Higher Education, especially research, in promoting effective civic empowerment and participation.
Is there a cross-disciplinary element to your research? If so, who else at the University is involved?
Our work is challenge-based rather than discipline-based. We try to bring together whichever expertise is relevant to each local challenge we encounter.
Currently, our active projects include elements from economics, heritage, and education.
Are there any external collaborators involved?
Absolutely! The whole ethos of our approach is to be led by community voice and engage in regional partnership. We work closely with partners in South West Wales, from regional bodies like Public Services Boards all the way down to community groups.
What is next for your research?
We’re currently working with some community heritage groups on an exciting project that explores the relationship between grassroots community regeneration and local councils.