Social Transformation and Advocacy through Research - STAR
STAR aims to build the research awareness and capacity of racially minoritised communities at all educational levels, from schools onward, as well as within community settings.
Social Transformation and Advocacy through Research - STAR - was a three-year programme (November 2022-October 2025) developed at the University of East London and the University of Bristol. It was developed by Gargi Bhattacharyya (now UCL), Winston Morgan (UEL), Dominic Hingorani (UEL), Darren Sharpe (UEL) and Corinne Squire (now SPS, UoB).
STAR is one of 13 programmes that are part of an Office for Students and Research England initiative to promote awareness of and participation in postgraduate research by Black, Asian and minority ethnic students.
Research Design for Social Impact
Research happens and researchers work in communities as well as in universities.
At the University of Bristol, STAR partnered with community-based organisations to provide a six-week free online Continuing Professional Development short course, 'Research Design for Social Impact', as well as follow-up mentoring and meetings. The course built and supported research capacity in community-based organisations, among majority-world staff and volunteers within those organisations. STAR's CPD course worked with community-based organisations across Bristol and the south-west, as well as nationally, across the UK.
The STAR CPD course was taught by Dr Jess Oddy of Design for Social Impact, along with University of Bristol graduate students Amanda Chappell, Siza Dube, and Monica Sanchez Hernandez. The course was grounded in Critical Participatory Action Research.
To find out more about the STAR CPD course see: 'Research Design for Social Impact'.
MRes in Social Justice
Completion of the STAR CPD course also offered its students the possibility of enrolling on a fee-waived MRes in Social Justice - another part of the STAR programme.
For more information about this programme see: MRes Social Justice Courses | University of East London
What students on the course say
The course took me to depths and made me understand what research means and how it can be helpful.
Participants found learning about qualitative data collection particularly valuable, as it demystified research processes and made them feel more capable of engaging in research activities. Understanding the importance of involving those being researched was eye-opening, emphasising the significance of community engagement in research endeavours.
I have got an idea about the critical thinking aspect of research
Participants gained a better understanding of research methodologies and the opportunities they present. They recognized the importance of involving community members in research processes, highlighting a shift in perspective towards more participatory and inclusive approaches...Participants intend to approach any future research endeavours with more informed eyes, reflecting a commitment to incorporating these research principles into their work.