Embedded research projects can be beneficial not only for the researchers involved in the project, providing them with rich and meaningful data, but also for the communities within which these projects are carried out. In this workshop, Dr. Bryer will take participants through the steps involved in planning out and launching an embedded research project within community or government organizations. He will discuss the various ways in which both researchers and organization members can work together to build the project, collect important data, and utilize these data in a way that can be mutually beneficial for achieving positive outcomes for the organization as well as for advancing knowledge.
As part of this workshop, participants will plan their own embedded research project, work through a mock project outline and plan, identify potential partner organizations, determine their desired community impact, and formulate a realistic list of project targets to “pitch” to potential organizations.
Outline
Setting up the project
The research question and desired project outcomes
Drawing on and complementing existing research and data
Funding sources and budget tricks
Networks and partnerships to consider
Ethical considerations and legal arrangements
Exercise: Coming up with a project outline and potential partners
Designing the “pitch” and getting into the field
How to encourage organizations to work with you
Types of promises researchers can and cannot make
Exercise: Pitching the plan
Formulating the project plan
Mapping out the day-to-day
Data collection and handling
Setting up key contacts and touch points
Information sharing and internal dissemination of research findings
Building a realistic timeline for completion
Exercise: Determining actionable project outputs and targets
Audience & Prerequisites
This workshop is designed for researchers who have embedded research projects already in mind, as well as for those who are curious to see how they can transform their existing projects, explore new partnership grant opportunities, expand their reach and impact, and further complement their data collection activities through hands-on experiences in the field.
Readings & Resources
Embedded Research Project Website: https://npsvolunteerdiaries.us/
Ward, Vicky, Tricia Tooman, Benet Reid, Huw Davies, Breid O’ Brien, Liz Mear, and Martin Marshall. 2021. “A Framework to Support the Design and Cultivation of Embedded Research Initiatives.” Evidence & Policy 17 (4): 755–69. https://doi.org/10.1332/174426421X16165177707227.
Vindrola-Padros, Cecilia, Tom Pape, Martin Utley, and Naomi J Fulop. 2017. “The Role of Embedded Research in Quality Improvement: A Narrative Review.” BMJ Quality & Safety 26 (1): 70–80. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2015-004877.