Opportunities were identified around improving the sustainability of P&C research. These opportunities included moving away from short-term project-based work, avoiding duplication of projects on the same topic and increasing the impact of P&C research, as the following quotes suggest:
“We need to build a sustainable, long term model.” (P&C researcher)
“Communities can conduct continuous research (rather than one off project), anyone from communities can take part.” (P&C researcher)
“Developing a co-ordinated approach to sharing ongoing project work to prevent duplication and share best practices." (community organisation representative)
Rebalancing power dynamics and breaking down stigmas and assumptions between stakeholders emerged as an outcome of P&C research and central to its sustainable development.
“Chance to shift power relationships." (community organisation representative)
“Breaking down stigmas/assumption between professionals and communities. This means professionals’ assumptions about minoritised communities and communities’ assumptions about professionals.” (P&C researcher)
“Possibility to work with communities to really understand stigma and barriers.” (P&C researcher)
“There’s finally a widespread acknowledgment of structural racism and how it affects people of colour.” (P&C researcher)
Participants highlighted the need for stronger cross-sector collaboration, with hopes that HDRC could play a significant role in strengthening these efforts:
“The HDRC!! We didn't have it before as an explicit effort to build infrastructure and collaboration.” (university researcher)
“Making connections through the HDRC work to support other research collaborations in the long term.” (university researcher)
“So many projects could be shared better and be collaborative.” (P&C researcher)
“Building relationships is necessary.” (P&C researcher)