Participate

So you want to be a Catalystas? Of course you do!

We are looking for new and innovative project ideas that could answer our two research questions:-

These are:

1. Understanding behaviour: what stimulates people to participate in civic actions and why?
2. Tools for change: what next-generation digital technologies best support how people want to innovate in a civic action setting?

To answer these questions, Catalyst supports a framework of large (sprints) and small (launch pads) research projects.

 

There are three ways in which community groups and academics can participate in Catalyst and develop their project ideas: Sprints, Launch pads and Serendipity cafes.

We are currently calling for individuals to submitt applications for the third and final research Sprint Project.

Make an application:

• Register your intention to make an application by completing a draft of the Sprint 3 application form (please fully complete page one and as much information throughout the form as possible). Return this before 3rd June  to d.stubbs@lancaster.ac.uk
• On receiving draft applications, information will be circulated across the Catalyst team at Lancaster University, to assist in matching project interests with academics. Elected academics will then collaborate with applicants to develop a final bid application.
• After 3rd June all projects submitted will be shortlisted, to develop a maximum of 10 Sprint proposals.
• Up to ten proposals will be invited to a Catalyst Sprint surgery session on 12th June (tbc).
• Final deadline for Sprint 3 submissions is 24th June.

 

Who can get involved?

Community organisations or groups

As a community group or community member, you have a unique opportunity to drive the research. We are actively looking for community groups to approach us with proposed themes or problems that could be developed into a Catalyst research sprint or launch pad.

All we ask is that community groups be aware that Catalyst is a research project that can also have tangible community benefits. It is about doing new things that have not been thought about before. Catalyst cannot promise immediate solutions to pressing problems; instead it offers a place where issues common to many communities can be begun to be explored. With research, its investigating failure as well as success and recognising that there may not be an immediate solution to a problem but Catalyst is the opportunity to begin that journey and to create knowledge that could help others in the future.

Academics

As an academic, you can participate no matter what discipline you come from. If you have a relevant background or ideas that can contribute to Catalyst’s overall goals, we want to hear from you.

Catalyst places heavy emphasis on cross-disciplinary research because we believe that the potential for social transformation needs disciplinary interaction. So, as an academic participant, you must be open to learning about a different discipline, understanding another discipline’s point of view, and taking the best of all worlds to create fresh thinking.

PhD students

Post-graduate student involvement is encouraged. Particularly students involved in interdisciplinary research.

How do I get involved?

The idea does not need to be fully formed; we are looking for a committed group of people, a context of genuine citizen engagement, a problem or challenge which can be clearly identified and ideas for an innovative technological solution. 

There are open calls to sprints and launch pads but the Catalyst team also provide opportunities for people to come together, get to know each other, and formulate ideas.

Pop-up or serendipity cafes are hosted every two months by community hosts. These are events that bring people together to explore ideas, challenges and help make connections between communities of interest.

• There is currently an open call for Launch pads: download, complete and return application form to catalyst@lancaster.ac.uk
• There is an open call for Pop-up or serendipity cafe hosts: download, complete and return the EOI form to express your interest.
• Meet Lancaster academics or community groups involved in Catalyst by attending events they might be hosting.

For more information, please join the mailing list (above) or send us a message.

Please note:

The Round 2 Research Sprint is Access ASD.