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Engaged Research of the Year

Engaged Research is an umbrella term for a wide range of rigorous research approaches and methodologies that share a common interest in collaborative engagement with society for impact. Engaged Research aims to improve, understand, or investigate an issue of public interest or concern, including societal challenges where community partners are active collaborative participants in the research process. In this context, community partners refer to a range of public research stakeholders, including public service, policy makers, civil society organisations (NGO’s / CSOs, citizens) and other actors.

This award recognises achievement by UCC researchers and/or research teams in the calendar year 2024, through the employment of an engaged research approach to address issues of societal interest. Nominations can be made by any UCC staff member and the seconder needs to be an external partner.

Evaluation Criteria

Engagement with Societal Stakeholders

  • Evidence of collaborative engagement with external societal/community stakeholders (e.g., public service, policymakers, NGOs, citizens).
  • Demonstration of stakeholder involvement throughout the research process, including co-creation or co-production of knowledge (e.g., using Campus Engage Methods and Approaches).
  • Societal/community feedback on the research engagement process.

Societal Benefit

  • Demonstration of achieved or potential societal benefit, aligned with Campus Engage's Engaged Research Planning for Impact categories.
  • Clear identification of research significance and beneficiaries (e.g., agencies, organizations, groups, or individuals).
  • Inclusion of sources to corroborate benefit, such as publications, reports, policy documents, case studies, news articles, videos, emails, or testimonials.

Research Rigor & Methodology

  • Use of rigorous and appropriate research methodologies to address societal challenges.
  • Evidence of ethical considerations in engaging with stakeholders and conducting research.

Impact & Dissemination

  • Efforts to communicate research findings to diverse audiences, including non-specialist stakeholders.
  • Evidence of tangible outcomes (e.g., policy changes, community improvements, or societal transformations).

Sustainability & Legacy

  • Demonstration of long-term impact or potential for sustained societal benefit.
  • Evidence of capacity-building or empowerment of community partners through the research process.

Deadline For Submission

  • Friday 28 March 2025, 5pm.

How To Apply

To submit a nomination for this award, complete all sections of the entry form.

Previous Winners

Year Awardee College/School/Department/Centre
2023

Dr Katharina Swirak

Professor Patricia Leahy-Warren

Department of Sociology and Criminology

School of Nursing & Midwifery

2022 Professor Maggie O'Neill

Department of Sociology and Criminology

2021 Professor Brian Ó Gallachóir

MaREI (Dingle Peninsula 2030)

Research & Innovation Awards

Gradaim Taighde agus Nuálaíocht

Office of Vice President for Research & Innovation 4th Floor Block E, Food Science Building UCC

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