Introduction to co-production of research 

Content overview

Would you like to work collaboratively with others? Have you ever wondered what co-production is and if and how it is relevant to your work? This short course provides an overview of co-production and collaborative research. It introduces a step-by-step guide to developing a high quality, ethical approach to co-production. Using case studies, participants will review different approaches to co-production, consider what can go wrong, and determine approaches to avoid these pitfalls. The course will end with an opportunity to commit to putting the learning into action in the coming months.  

The course is made up of one 3-hour online introduction.  

(This is followed by a 1-hour reflection on actions taken, 3 months after the first course. This additional session will provide an opportunity for participants to get expert and peer support to address any challenges that have arisen from their practices.)  

The course is supported by access to NCCPE resources to take the learning into action.

Training type

This is NOT a train-the-trainer course.  This is a pilot of a training course that, when tested, will be the basis for a train-the-trainer course in Autumn 2025.

Learning objectives

By the end of this training participants will 

• Understand a range of types of collaborative research 
• Consider if and how co-production is relevant to their research/ work  
• Gain an insight into the motivations for and experiences of co-production for communities, academics, engagement brokers, and cultural organisations.  
• Develop a co-production plan relevant to their area of work 
• Understand the benefits and risks associated with co-production, and take these into account in their planning 

 Completion criteria

The course is introductory in nature. Participants should be able to take the learning into their practice (and be able to reflect on it at the workshop 3 months after the course end.)  

Audience

This course is for researchers including post–doctoral students, and professional services staff who want to use co-production as part of their work.  

Level (Introduction, intermediate, advanced)

Introduction – the course is suitable for people who have limited or no experience of co-production and those who have some experience of collaborative research but want to deepen their understanding.

Prerequisite skills, expertise and experience

This course has been designed to support people who are interested in developing collaborative research who have a specific interest in co-production. It will not be suitable for those with limited or no experience of engaged research methods.

Overall likely time commitment

3 hours online PLUS action taken as a result of the course e.g. putting a plan into action.  

•  The main course is a 3 hours online course.  
• This is followed in 3 months by a 1 hour review session, where people can reflect on how they have taken action following the course, encouraging participants to reflect on their current approach to co-production and/or collaborative research, and share any challenges or opportunities that have arisen. 

Event date and time

25 June, 9.30–12.30 (online) 

Registration deadline

Wednesday 28 May 2025

Training partner

National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement 

Location

Online

Cost

Free

Number of attendees

Minimum 15, Maximum 30

Evaluation

Participants will be required to complete a prebooking form, and end of course evaluation, and attend the reflection session 3 months after the course.

Application

For information about how to apply, please contact your institution’s Open Research Coordinator and Administrator (linked via this page). 

For specific course content queries: Katherine.hathaway@nccpe.ac.uk  

For general information regarding the UKRN ORP training, please contact: elle.chilton-knight@bristol.ac.uk