Meet Newham's Citizen Scientists

What happens when residents are given the opportunity to research the issues affecting their own communities?

Across Newham, residents are doing exactly that through the Citizen Scientist training programme – developing research skills, exploring local issues and helping bring lived experience into conversations that matter.

The programme supports residents to develop practical skills in research, interviewing, storytelling and community engagement.

Watch: Meet some of Newham's Citizen Scientists

Hear directly from participants and discover how community-led research is helping residents explore issues affecting their communities.

Research shaped by lived experience

The Citizen Scientists programme brings together residents from different communities across Newham, helping them use research, storytelling and lived experience to explore issues that matter to them.

Participants identify topics they want to understand better and carry out their own research projects, speaking directly with residents and drawing on lived experience to explore local challenges and opportunities.

The first group of Citizen Scientists recently graduated from a UCL-accredited programme after researching topics including employment, education, parenting, mental health, loneliness and access to services. Participants were compensated for their time and contribution while completing the programme and carrying out their research.

Projects explored a wide range of issues, from the experiences of migrant mothers raising children between cultures and the employability journeys of Afghan migrants, to loneliness among young migrants and the experiences of international students adapting to life in the UK.

The programme works with different communities across Newham, including:

The Migrant and refugee Network

The Young Adult and SEND Network

The Marginalised Women Network

Creating opportunities for residents

Alongside developing research skills, the programme creates opportunities for residents to build confidence, connect with others and contribute to positive change in their communities.

For many participants, it has provided a platform to share experiences, explore issues affecting local people and help ensure community voices are heard.

As part of the programme, Citizen Scientists could apply for a six-month paid placement in the Council, applying the expertise and skills gained through the UCL course to Council work. The first Citizen Scientist has already been appointed and will join the Council later this month.

Explore the research

The first cohort explored a range of topics affecting migrant and refugee communities across Newham, from employment and parenting to loneliness, and student life.

What's next?

We'll be sharing more stories from Citizen Scientists, highlighting their research projects, experiences and the impact they are having across Newham.

First cohort's research will be brought together through the launch of Stories from the Newham Community Research Network. Meanwhile, our second cohort of Citizen Scientists is nearing the end of their training and will graduate later this year.

From participant stories and community research projects to placements and programme milestones, follow the journey of residents helping shape conversations about the issues that matter in Newham.