Digital Citizen Research Project

Scottish social innovation charity People Know How are working with the University of Edinburgh to train five of the charity’s volunteers to become citizen researchers. They aim to widen participation in data science by carrying out engagement activities with communities who would not normally interact with data research.

People Know How operate Reconnect, a service that supports adults and families in Edinburgh and the Lothians to improve wellbeing by increasing digital and social inclusion. The citizen researchers will help to deepen the field of research around digital inclusion by comparing the experiences of people they support through Reconnect with those of other organisations, as well as existing literature. They'll engage with people about digital inclusion and learn more about the obstacles that prevent people from engaging with data research.

The training focuses on promoting an unbiased approach to research, understanding what good research looks like and using open communication skills.

Back to the 2022-23 Public Engagement Fund recipients