A Guide to Creating an Effective Research Community

Working in Medha’s Data and Impact Department, I realized how crucial research is for generating insights and driving social change. Yet, it’s often neglected due to lacking skills, resources, and knowledge. 

With over two decades of experience, I have seen many researchers struggle to uncover essential data. I wanted to change this by equipping youth interested in research with the training and resources to become efficient researchers. Medha felt like the right platform as we work with bright, eager individuals rooted in their communities. Therefore, we launched the Medhavi Research Community (MRC) in 2023 to support inclusive, collaborative, and responsive research.

The name “Medhavi,” meaning intelligent or wise, reflects the spirit of the community and honors Medha alumni, also called Medhavi. Through this blog, I hope to share our journey and offer a roadmap that may help you establish similar initiatives. Together, we can create a network of skilled young researchers, driving change from the ground up. 

The Inception: MRC Inaugural Cohort and Training Program 

Turning our vision for the Medhavi Research Community (MRC) into reality required meticulous planning and execution. Our first cohort of 30 participants underwent a 10-day-on- the- ground-training comprising classroom sessions, hands-on activities, and real-world projects.

Our curriculum included research design, data collection, analysis, and a 100-hour paid internship. Participants first designed data collection instruments like surveys and interview guides, then conducted interviews in their communities, practicing active listening and relationship-building to gather data.  

By the end of the training, participants had a solid understanding of research methodology and the confidence to conduct independent research.

The Blueprint: Create Your Own Research Community   

The success of our first MRC cohort demonstrated the power of community-based research. This journey has been an enriching and transformative experience for us.   

Here are the key steps to help you establish a similar initiative:   

1. Define Your Vision

Start by defining the vision and purpose of your research community. What goal do you want to achieve, and how will your community contribute to this goal? For context, we at Medha provide youth interested in research with the training and resources they need to bridge the gap between raw data and lived experiences, creating a community of skilled young researchers.   

2. Identify Your Target Audience

Next, identify the participants for this community and the audience for their data collection. Understand the participants’ needs and aspirations to build a strong program that meets their goals.

For instance, all our participants were from the Medhavi Association, and they engaged with the people living in Lucknow’s slum areas.

3. Clear Assignment of Roles and Responsibilities 

Now that you have a vision and target audience to work for, distribute roles and responsibilities within the team to set expectations and foster commitment. This clarity helps streamline planning and implementation, ensuring everyone knows their roles.   

4. Develop a Comprehensive Training Program 

This is one of the most crucial steps for building your research community. We designed our training curriculum to be accessible for beginners, meeting the basic requirements for conducting research while introducing essential research tools and ethics. 

An ideal training program combines essential research skills with practical application. Design a program that is immersive, engaging, and tailored to the needs of your participants.  

5. Provide Adequate Resources

After designing the program’s curriculum, arrange all the essential resources, such as infrastructure, equipment, and more, for smooth implementation. Adequate resource allocation will facilitate effective learning.  

6. Review and Adjust the Curriculum  

Be flexible with your training course. Review and adjust the curriculum according to the needs of your participants.  

7. Encourage Collaboration and Networking 

Create a culture of collaboration and networking within your community. Provide opportunities for participants to engage with each other, share ideas, and collaborate on projects.  

8. Evaluate and Improve 

Continuously evaluate and improve your program based on feedback and insights gained from implementation. Use the findings to refine your approach and enhance your community’s impact. For example, we shortened the duration of our second cohort’s to onboard more female participants. 

These crucial steps and considerations helped us build a strong foundation for a thriving research community—and they might help you as well! The ripple effects of such a community can drive meaningful change, advance knowledge, and create long-lasting impacts in your organization and beyond. 

The Call: Join the Movement   

Through the Medhavi Research Community (MRC), we aim to advance research and drive positive change. Strong research is vital for growth, and we invite you to join us in expanding the reach of passionate researchers dedicated to positive change. 

Together, we can help young minds in driving meaningful change. So, let’s build a network of research communities to uplift societies and transform the world for a more informed, equitable, and sustainable future!