The Newham Community Research Network and the UCL Citizen Science Academy are giving local migrants the chance to develop their skills as researchers in the local community.
Our first group of Citizen Social Scientists has now completed their training, using their lived experience as expertise and developing skills in research, ethics and storytelling. You can find out more about the network and what’s happening next at Newham Community Research Network (www.newhamcrn.org.uk).
There’s plenty to look out for over the coming months. During Refugee Week 2026, we’ll be publishing the first volume of Stories from the Newham Community Research Network, sharing writing and artwork from our first cohort. It will cover everything from migrant recipes and culture, to the experience of raising children between two worlds, to stories of Afghan entrepreneurs in East London — and more besides.
Our next cohort has already started with the marginalised women’s network, and their work will be shared through a pop-up exhibition at Queen's House, followed by the book launch during Refugee Week in June.
The work is part of an initiative funded by the UKRI and The Young Foundation called the Newham Community Research Network. Lead by Compost London, the Network is supported by the UCL Citizen Science Academy at UCL East, who train local citizens in research ethics, methods and project planning.
The aim of the project is to upskill and empower local residents, who are compensated for their participation and receive a certificate upon completion of the programme. Some even get the opportunity to do work placements at Newham Council as a result of taking part.
More broadly, the initiative is trying to put communities at the heart of research and innovation. The goal is to transform the research landscape in the local area by supporting locals to identify and address their own research needs, shifting power to the community, and reversing traditional research dynamics.
If you have any opportunities for research or want to find out more do not hesitate to contact marilyn@compostlondon.org.uk.
CSS Graduation
Our first cohort of eleven Citizen Social Scientists has now completed the Newham Community Research Network programme, with all participants graduating. Throughout the programme, participants used their lived experience as expertise, building skills in qualitative research methods, practical ethics, social science theory and project planning. They then carried out their own community-based research on issues that are important to them and their communities. The completed research unearthed hidden issues such as the impact of isolation on young people’s mental health, the challenges professionals face in rebuilding careers after migration, and the experience of raising children between cultures and more. This milestone reflects both the commitment of the cohort and the strength of a model that places partnership and collaboration and the power of local people at its centre. For more information on the graduation and next steps, visit www.newhamcrn.org.uk
Find out more
Downloads:
Newham Health Fair
A networking event for organisations involved in delivering health projects in Newham.
Migrant and Refugees Citizen Social Scientists Research Ideas presentation
Research ideas from the Migrants and Refugees Network, part of the Newham Community Research Network. Citizen Social Scientists are supported by the UCL Citizen Science Academy, giving local migrants the chance to develop their skills as researchers in the local community. Read to find out more about their ideas. Please contact us if this is an area of interest, or you wish to work with our Citizen Social Scientists on your research project.
Newham CRN: Talkingabout men's mental Health
Listen to our first podcast from East London Citizen Social Scientists Terry and Esah!
Video introduction to the Well Newham Evaluation Toolkit
Please download our introduction video to the Well Newham Evaluation Toolkit. The Well Newham Evaluation Toolkit empowers local groups to showcase the difference they make and strengthens the case for future funding. Explore the toolkit today and start building stronger, evidence-driven projects for Newham’s communities.
Well Newham Evaluation Toolkit
Compost London is proud to present the Well Newham Evaluation Toolkit, a practical resource designed to support community organisations in Newham to measure and understand the impact of their work. Developed by Compost London, this toolkit offers user-friendly tools and guidance to help organisations evaluate their projects, improve services, and demonstrate their impact to funders and stakeholders. Whether you’re running health and wellbeing initiatives, community events, or local support services, the toolkit makes it easier to track outcomes and capture meaningful feedback. Explore the toolkit today and start building stronger, evidence-driven projects for Newham’s communities.
