Using a community geography place-based approach to explore the impact of a regional research infrastructure in England

Background: There is a need to critically examine both how research infrastructures interact with the populations they serve and the perceived effects of these interactions. This paper reports on a contributions analysis informed study of a research infrastructure and its place-based approach to working with local communities: the National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration East of England (NIHR ARC EoE). The aims were (1) to understand the perceived impact of the NIHR ARC EoE place-based approach (2) to explore its processes and challenges. Methods: From April-June 2023 we interviewed 11 research staff from the infrastructure (NIHR ARC EoE) and nine community-based partners who had worked with NIHR ARC EoE since 2019. The interviews explored experiences of developing research partnerships, learnings, outcomes and challenges. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and subject to a thematic analysis. The findings were subsequently mapped onto a Research Contributions Framework. Results: The place-based approach was characterised as relationships-driven and a community-focused approach to building research infrastructure, which improved motivation and commitment to local involvement in research. Three perceived impacts were highlighted: working with underserved communities, cross-sector relationship development and building skills and research capacity. Key barriers included differing expectations of research timescales, a fear of problematising communities; and intensive resource requirements for developing foundational level relationships. Conclusion: The place-based approach enabled opportunities to work with (rather than ‘do to’) communities previously underserved by research and where the development of trusting relationships was key. However, strategic efforts to dismantle bureaucratic barriers must be developed to maximise reach and potential. The findings present an effective approach to understanding the impact of a place-based approach to working with communities. The value of a place-based approach is widely applicable to any research infrastructure aiming to collaborate, involve and engage communities in research.