The Brigstow approach to research prioritises these three elements:

Interdisciplinary research (Or trans-disciplinary, multi-disciplinary or omni-disciplinary research) brings together people with different knowledge, expertise, skills and ideas. We are particularly interested in bringing university researchers from different schools or faculties together for the first time to undertake seedcorn projects (for example literary scholars and mathematicians in Maths Poems, or vets and social scientists in Poo Patrol).

Co-produced research values that knowledge takes many forms and lies within different areas and people. With co-produced research, the framing of the research question is driven equally by the needs of the external partner and the university partners. It recognises that multiple expertise is necessary to undertake research, and that this is especially the case with the ‘Living Well’ remit that characterises Brigstow. Here lived knowledge is as important as academic knowledge (for example social and literary historians and a community arts charity in Telling Stories about Learning Difficulties, or public health researchers, sociologists, medical educationalists, community groups and individuals in How do you Move?).

Critical making moves beyond talking together, to making together as a process in the research project. It invites people to think creatively and value the process of making over and above what is made. We believe in the value of using an object or space to elevate beyond language and to communicate ideas within and beyond the project group.