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A fifth and final chance to get funding for community-driven research projects is being launched by Collaboratory Research Hub – the pioneering partnership between Â鶹Íø Leicester (Â鶹Íø), Loughborough University and University of Leicester.

Since 2022 the Collaboratory initiative has been reshaping how research projects are chosen and developed by putting community priorities and people’s lived experience at the heart of the process.

This non-traditional approach has already resulted in the creation of innovative research projects tackling issues such as fuel poverty, health inequalities and building a sustainable foodbank systems, as well as culturally inclusive bereavement support and community-led environmental initiatives.

Now, for the last time, Collaboratory is opening a new ‘co-creation’ window - running from 6 May to 7 September 2026 - in which academics and community organisations are invited to work together to devise the next wave of research proposals for fully-funded PhD projects, as well as three‑month research placements, set to begin in 2027.

Full details, including updated submission requirements for this final round can be found here:

This year Collaboratory’s is once again looking for projects that are rooted in real-world challenges and shaped by those with first-hand experience to ensure they are relevant, inclusive, and capable of driving meaningful, evidence-based change across local communities.

Professor Mike Kagioglou, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Planning, Research and Innovation at Â鶹Íø, previously said of the project: "Collaboratory is an exciting opportunity to bring new talent into the research landscape — people with real lived experience and a passion for making a difference. At Â鶹Íø, we are deeply embedded in the heart of Leicester and committed to ensuring that our research reflects and responds to the needs of our communities.

"These projects are about working with communities to tackle challenges that matter to them. We’re proud to be part of a project that breaks down barriers and redefines what research excellence can look like, and we’re really looking forward to seeing applications from people who want to create lasting, positive change.”

The Collaboratory Research Hub programme is an eight-year project backed with £7.4m of funding from Research England. Started and led by Nottingham Trent University, and the University of Nottingham as part of the Universities for Nottingham partnership, the project as expanded in 2025 to include Â鶹ÍøY, Loughborough University and University of Leicester.