The Collaboratory programme is an eight-year ambitious project that commenced in 2022, initially as part of the Universities for Nottingham Civic Agreement before bringing in the three Leicestershire universities – along with the Leicestershire Universities Partnership Civic Agreement into the fold from April this year.
The Programme aims to bring together academia and the community to support growth and development within communities, broaden prospects, drive change, and improve wellbeing.
The research projects have been created to solve real-life problems in the community, designed following input from researchers and those involved in local civic and community organisations.
Applications are open now, and the project team is looking for individuals, particularly those with a professional or community-centred background; those with experience and passion for creating positive change in the community are invited to apply. Successful PhD applicants will undertake a paid, three-year period of research on the fully funded Doctoral Training Programme, resulting in a PhD qualification. Successful Research Placement applicants will undertake a paid, part-time period of research, over 10 weeks, resulting a formal Certificate of Recognition.
Professor Emily Keightley, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Vibrant and Inclusive Communities at Loughborough University, said: “We’re delighted to be working with our Collaboratory partners to drive a new community-centred approach to doctoral research. These newly-launched PhD projects are an exciting opportunity to create meaningful change for the people of Leicestershire and Rutland”.
Professor Richard Thomas, Pro Vice Chancellor Research and Enterprise at the University of Leicester, said: “I would urge anybody with a passion to create positive change in our local community to apply for these PhD and placement projects. We’d particularly like to hear from researchers from non-traditional backgrounds who would like to develop their academic skills”.
Professor Mike Kagioglou, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Planning, Research and Innovation at De Montfort University said: "At De Montfort University, we are deeply embedded in the heart of Leicester and committed to ensuring that our research reflects and responds to the needs of our communities. Collaboratory is an exciting opportunity to bring new talent into the research landscape — people with real lived experience and a passion for making a difference.
"These projects are about working with communities to tackle challenges that matter to them. We’re proud to be part of a project that breaks down barriers and redefines what research excellence can look like, and we’re really looking forward to seeing applications from people who want to create lasting, positive change.”
The PhD projects that are available explore challenges such as:
- Understanding the factors that influence children’s financial literacy skills in Coalville
- Energy for All: Spreading the benefits and broadening engagement in community energy projects in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
- The role of community-centred organisations and social enterprises in addressing “invisible” local poverty
- Rethinking models and policies for first and last mile travel – connecting rural areas beyond city boundaries
- Transformative and innovative strategies for improving social support, educational outcomes and opportunities for children, young people and families in Leicester
- Identifying nurse perspectives in suicide safety planning and risk management for children and adolescents in Leicester
- Inclusive Heritage in Superdiverse Places: Redesigning inclusion in heritage content, practice, and policy in Leicestershire
Applications close on Sunday 29 June 2025.
Anyone interested in applying is welcome to attend an information webinar which will introduce the Collaboratory programme, provide an overview of the research projects, how to apply and what the expectations are. Full details can be found on the Collaboratory website.
More information about the Collaboratory Programme.