Nottingham’s universities invite communities to take part in fully-funded research projects
Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham are inviting people from the community to apply for a fully-funded 10-week research placement.
By Sarah McLeod | Published on 13 January 2025
Categories: Press office;
The Co(l)laboratory programme, part of the Universities for Nottingham Civic Agreement, is an eight-year ambitious project which aims to bring together academia and the community to support growth and development within communities, broaden prospects, drive change, and improve wellbeing.
Co(l)laboratory Research Placements scheme offers real research projects which explore cutting-edge solutions to community challenges as part of a pioneering new approach to community centred research. The Placements have been designed to offer participants from communities across Nottinghamshire the opportunity to expand their horizons by carrying out genuine community focused research. Placements will be carried out over a continuous 10-week period (minimum 14 hours per week).
Applications are now open for the next cohort and close at 11:59pm on Sunday 2 March 2025. Study will begin on Monday 28 April 2025.
Candidates are eligible to apply if they are a UK permanent resident currently residing in Nottinghamshire or surrounding areas, do not already hold a Postgraduate degree, do not already have professional research experience, and are not currently enrolled in study at any university or research institution. The team are looking for those who have a curiosity and passion for learning, have a genuine desire to gain experience in research, and have an analytical mindset with keen attention to detail.
Successful applicants will gain:
- The opportunity to learn through practical experience as part of a real research project
- Financial support with a Co(l)laboratory bursary payment of £1,300
- Access to PhD-level researcher training, resources, and networks
- Dedicated support from expert researchers and community practitioners
- Flexible working and support (including disability support) to fit the placement around existing commitments
- Award of a formal Certificate of Recognition on successful completion
The 2025 Citizen Scientist Research Projects have been developed in collaboration with local community organisations and are entitled:
- Sustainable resources and Wellbeing: Scoping the holistic benefits of community leaf gathering in Nottingham
- Beyond Green: Community Participation towards Resilient Urban Nature
- Engaging with and Communicating Music Provision, Education, Activities, and Performance Opportunities to Children and Young People across Nottinghamshire
- Developing New Artists, Artist Groups and Organisations in Nottingham
- Popular Protest and Political Representation in Nottingham: Drawing contemporary lessons from the 1850s and 1860s
Read further information on the 2025 Co(l)laboratoryResearch Placements, including details on webinars and drop-in sessions.
The project is funded by Research England as well as both Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham.
Notes for Editors
Press enquiries please contact Sarah McLeod, Corporate Communications Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8735, or via email.
About Universities for Nottingham
The Universities for Nottingham initiative is a pioneering collaboration which brings together the combined strength and civic missions of 11 anchor institutions from across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Working with local communities and partners we aim to improve levels of economic prosperity, educational opportunity, environmental sustainability and health and wellbeing for the benefit of our people and place.
As part of the response to the challenges we collectively face, the Universities for Nottingham Civic Agreement sets out our joint plans for the future working as a partnership.
Find out more at www.universitiesfornottingham.ac.uk #UnisForNottingham