Why Grassroots Research and Lived Experience Really Matter When Designing Services.

Grassroots research refers to knowledge creation driven by individuals or communities outside traditional academic institutions. It is often motivated by practical needs, curiosity, or a desire to address issues overlooked by mainstream research. Similarly , it is more often than not, conducted by citizens, pracademics, or small organisations, often with limited funding or institutional backing.

Grassroots research focuses on solving local problems or addressing specific concerns that may lack institutional support. Yet, on the upside it is often free from the constraints of academic norms, allowing for creative approaches and rapid experimentation. Grassroots research tackles real-world problems that academic research may overlook or deem unworthy of funding. Grassroots researchers welcome contributors from diverse backgrounds, often incorporating indigenous knowledge or non-traditional perspectives. It has the power to respond rapidly to emerging needs without the bureaucratic delays of academic funding and peer-review processes. However, limited funding, access to technology, and formal training can hinder progress.

Without rigorous peer review, findings may struggle to gain acceptance or withstand scrutiny and in the worst case scenario may lack the infrastructure or visibility to influence policy or global discourse. Academia is often criticised for its insularity, elitism, and detachment from the practical concerns of everyday life. This "arrogance" is perceived as an obstacle to collaboration and inclusivity in research and academic credentials, journal paywalls, and institutional affiliations create barriers to entry for outsiders. Research may prioritise theoretical elegance over practical application, alienating non-academic audiences. Slow processes, resistance to unconventional ideas, and a rigid focus on metrics like citations and rankings stifle innovation.

Dominance of Western academic paradigms often disregards alternative epistemologies. While grassroots research and academia are often framed as opposites, they have complementary strengths. The key is not choosing one over the other but fostering collaboration and mutual respect. Grassroots research can identify problems and generate data that academia can validate and scale. Institutions can provide resources, tools, and expertise to amplify grassroots efforts. Citizen science initiatives (e.g., environmental monitoring or public health studies) demonstrate how grassroots researchers and academics can collaborate effectively. To address the tension between grassroots research and academia.

Its very important to recognise the value of local knowledge and grassroots contributions and the importance of actively seeking partnerships outside traditional academic circles.We believe that a shift from a top-down model to one that includes public input and collaboration in setting research agendas wuld be a quantum leap forward. We would be delighted to partner with institutions to gain access to resources, training, and validation for our work but our time and expertise must be financially factored into any research undertaken. We all need to do more to develop collaborative networks to connect grassroots researchers with academics and mechanisms need to be created to credit and compensate non-traditional contributors equitably.

The future of knowledge creation lies in breaking down barriers between grassroots research and academia. By leveraging the strengths of both—academia’s rigor and resources, and grassroots innovation and inclusivity—we can build a more equitable, impactful, and dynamic research ecosystem. Rather than opposing forces, these two approaches should be seen as essential partners in the pursuit of truth and progress.

Tony Wright CEO Forward Assist