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Community Research Network

Introduction

Researchers and communities both want health and care research to better reflect the needs, priorities and experiences of diverse communities. However, meaningful collaboration isn’t always easy.  

Researchers can face challenges building sustainable relationships with communities and involving people early enough in research. Communities may experience barriers such as lack of trust, poor communication from researchers, limited awareness of opportunities, practical challenges to involvement, or feeling that their knowledge and expertise aren’t fully recognised.  

The King’s Community Research Network is being developed to address these challenges and support stronger, more equitable partnerships between researchers and communities. The network aims to move beyond one-off consultations and support long-term, mutually beneficial relationships that create meaningful change. 

The network also aims to broaden involvement in research. While some communities are approached frequently, others have fewer opportunities to get involved. By coordinating engagement activities and supporting ongoing partnerships, the network seeks to widen access while avoiding unnecessary burden on communities.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to create an inclusive community network where diverse lived experiences are recognised as vital expertise, and where patients, carers, and communities work alongside researchers to improve health research relevance, equity and impact.

About the Community Research Network

The Community Research Network aims to bring together researchers at King’s College London and local communities to shape health and care research together.  

The network will:  

  • Create a two-way model of working that values different forms of knowledge, expertise and experience. 
  • Establish shared expectations for respectful, inclusive partnerships that benefit everyone involved. 
  • Support communication, relationship building and early collaboration between researchers and communities. 
  • Support community capacity building through learning opportunities, community-led research and access to resources. 

Promote research that delivers meaningful and lasting benefits for communities. 

For more information, please contact muhammed@elysium.london, translationalmedicine@kcl.ac.uk or BetterHCHub@kcl.ac.uk