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.
The first group to be trained, recruited and supported by Newham Community Project, a local charity with experience supporting and empowering vulnerable communities; are tackling issues relevant to migrant and refugee communities locally, using their lived experience expertise and community contacts to gather the kinds of data academics typically could not.
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.
3 CRN
For the Newham Community Research Network, Compost London are leading a ‘network of networks’ based in various wards across our ethnically diverse and innovative borough. The three recruited community research networks (CRN), cover migrants and refugee communities, marginalised women, and young people with special educational needs who live, work and go to school in Newham.
The first 12 CSS
This week, 27th November 2025, at UCL East, a new cohort of local citizen social scientists (CSS), presented their research plans to UCL academics and partners ahead of undertaking fieldwork across the borough of Newham. The cohort were all migrants or refugees from the local area who will be investigating issues affecting their communities, including access to healthcare, availability of culturally-appropriate foods, and the challenge of finding employment. Here at Compost London we are excited to see what results they produce.
Find out more
Downloads:
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.
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.
Marilyn Mensah
Sandra White
