UCL Community Research Initiative: Research Consultancy Training Evaluation

The Community Research Initiative (CRIS), part of UCL’s Students' Union, empowers UCL students to collaborate with the voluntary and community sectors to co-create impactful research. Launched in 2021, the Research Consultancy Training Programme (RCTP) aims to scale the CRIS master’s dissertation programme, support community organisations in articulating their research needs, and enhance the UCL PhD student experience.

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In 2024, Kohlrabi was tasked with overseeing the evaluation of the RCTP, which involved training an evaluation team based at UCL to assess the programme's effectiveness. The evaluation focused on understanding how doctoral students engage with the programme, its impact on their development, and how it fosters a community of students sharing research skills with community organisations. Key outcomes include improved student participation in the CRIS Pro Bono Research Service, as well as identifying factors that influence student engagement and program success.

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The evaluation of the RCTP revealed significant impacts across skills development, wellbeing, community building, and intercultural competencies. Students not only enhanced their research skills but also gained confidence in exploring new career paths outside academia. The programme provided an opportunity for students to apply their academic skills in a real-world context, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging—often missing in the PhD experience. Interactions with fellow students and charity clients helped build skills in intercultural communication and relationship building. As a result, students were eager to continue with the CRIS Pro Bono Research Service, applying their skills to create meaningful social impact.

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The programme’s hands-on structure and the diverse interactions it fosters were highly praised, making it a success in meeting its objectives and generating significant impact.