Motivation

In recent years researchers, research institutions, funders, and members of the public have been calling for research to be more equitable and inclusive. Much like in the rest of society, research has a tendency to over-represent certain identities and interests and under-represent others. This applies to what research gets funded (and why) as well as who conducts, takes part in, or benefits from research. Analogously, these inequities can produce material harms or benefits to those members of society outside of the research community.

Inclusive research seeks to understand the inequities that exist in research and take action to change these. Due to the variety of intellectual disciplines, research methods, and the ways in which these interact with society at large, this may look different depending on the area of research concerned. For example, when human beings are not the subject of research it can be difficult to see the relevance of social equity. Nonetheless, the outputs of research always have an impact in the world and contribute to the societies in which we all live.

Much of the motivation for inclusive research focuses on the social justice aspects and this is aspect is fundamental. However, it is also important, and often neglected, to emphasis the intellectual motivations. Research is primarily an exercise in creating knowledge and understanding, and it benefits from a plurality of perspectives, approaches and aims. Inclusive research is therefore also a project of intellectual rigour; seeking to identify and correct ways in which our current approaches are overly narrow, homogenised, and dominated by certain groups.

Finally, whilst much of the narrative around inclusive research can be negative, focusing on the deep inequities and widespread harms that exist in our world, we also believe strongly in the positive vision for inclusive research. Research can be a powerful force for positive change in the world.