Common cause research: Building research collaborations between universities and black and minority ethnic communities

Abstract

In this report, David Bryan and co-authors examine the barriers and enablers to building collaborative research partnerships between universities and Black and Minority Ethnic communities, artists, civil society and cultural organisations. The report draws on case studies, UK workshops, a funders' roundtable and a review of funding data. It contrasts a familiar pattern of extractive, tokenistic partnerships rooted in institutional racism and mistrust with an emerging alternative built on trusted mediators, co-production and mutual respect. It then traces how these dynamics unfold, from initial connection through funding processes to project delivery, university systems and long-term legacy. The report closes with ten fair and mutual research principles, adapted from fair trade, proposed to guide universities and funders toward equitable and reciprocal partnerships with Black and minority ethnic communities.