UCL Grand Challenges Decolonising Research Methodologies and Practices at UCL 2024/25 Awards

UCL Grand Challenges recently awarded funding under the special initiative theme 'Decolonising Research Methodologies and Practices at UCL' in the academic year 2024/25.

This special initiative supported proposals that focused on innovative models for decolonising research and research ethics at UCL, with an emphasis on activities that drive engagement and institutional transformation. Projects sought to push boundaries in rethinking research practices through a decolonial lens. In total, nearly 30 applications were received from all 11 faculties at UCL as well as Professional Services. The judging panel approved funding for 5 applications, with total funding of over £18,000 awarded.

Professor Audrey Prost and Professor Douglas Bourn, Co-Chairs of UCL's Grand Challenge of Cultural Understanding Working Group, commented: 

“

Building on the incredibly strong response to last year's special initiative, we were delighted to launch a second round of the GCCU funding call, 'Decolonising Research Methodologies and Practices at UCL.' This round attracted a range of high-quality and collaborative proposals, with notable engagement from UCL Faculties that have historically had limited resources or opportunities to engage with decolonising research practices.

The funded proposals are guided by core principles of a decolonising framework, including co-production, relationship-building, equitable participation, and the promotion of intersectionality in research. We look forward to seeing these projects progress over the coming year and to the transformative outcomes and lasting impacts they will achieve.

"

Summary details of the projects awarded are below:

Decolonising Public Administration Co-Design Workshop Series

£4,000

Professor Rainer Kattel, Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP), The Bartlett
Ms Nai Kalema, Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP), The Bartlett

'The Land Sings Back'

£3,950

Professor Tariq Jazeel, Centre for the Study of South Asia and the Indian Ocean World, Arts and Humanities
Ms Kate Macfarlane, Drawing Room

Toward Equitable Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Neuroimaging at UCL

£4,000

Dr Carly Anderson, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Sciences
Miss Dwaynica Greaves, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Sciences

An Anti-Genocide University 

£4,000

Dr Tom Western, Department of Geography, Social and Historical Sciences
Professor Gargi Bhattacharyya, Institute of Advanced Studies, Arts and Humanities 

[Black Europe] at UCL: Phase Two

£2,316

Dr Jeff Bowersox, SELCS, Arts and Humanities 
Dr Uta Staiger, UCL European Institute, Laws