What is peer research?

Peer research is empowering. It is directed and conducted by people with lived experience of the issues being studied. This means people can affect positive change that matters to them.

Peer researchers have a deep and personal understanding of the social or geographical community being studied. They may assist with research design, help develop research tools, collect and analyse data, and help write up and disseminate findings.

Peer research can also be referred to as community research – or as user involvement or service user research when it is conducted together with the users of a specific service to evaluate that service.

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Perspectives from a Citizen Researcher

Rebecca shares her experiences of Citizen Science work

Perspectives from a Citizen Scientist

Ronnie shares her views on Citizen Science work.  

Hive Minds webinar: Citizen Science event recording

Sharing experiences of citizen science and community research.

'You can have an open, honest conversation'

Peer researchers in the East Midlands town of Corby reflect on the value and impact of their work, in a film created as part of the European Uplift Youth programme.

Setting standards for quality peer research

Read our 10 Principles

Working with The Young Foundation’s Peer Research Network was easy from beginning to end. They took the lead in selecting, training and supporting peer researchers. We had strong communication throughout and the final report will be a key part of our strategy. They balanced maintaining the independence of the research while also incorporating our feedback judiciously. We recommend The Young Foundation to carry out peer research.”

The Community Land Trust Network

Our thinking and reports

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Community research

We are a not-for-profit tackling societal issues with a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach.

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Social innovation

Involving people from diverse sectors to shape game-changing initiatives.

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