Empowering communities by engaging them in research

When Jasjit Singh was researching media portrayals of British Sikhs, he wanted to make sure his research was a true representation of the people whose lives he was talking about. Working with the community then gave him the authority to take the findings forward to influence national and international policy.

My research has a life way beyond the library. It has not only improved our academic knowledge, it has made a difference in society at home and abroad.

—Dr Jasjit Singh

Impact

• Community collaboration: working with marginalised groups to challenge inequalities by raising their voices
• Research culture: influencing more involvement of affected communities in research partnerships

Key information

• Major funders: Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats, Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
• Partners and collaborators: Sikh Education Council, Sikh Press Association
• Disciplines: community, social studies, religious studies
• Investigators: Dr Jasjit Singh

Keywords: collaboration, extremism